DEATH WARRANT Meaning and
Definition
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A death warrant is a legal document, typically issued by a judge or a governing authority, that authorizes the execution of an individual convicted of a capital crime. It serves as an official order for the person's death penalty, stating the specific details such as the date, manner, and location of the execution. The death warrant is usually accompanied by the court's final judgment or verdict of guilt and is signed by the appropriate officials involved, such as the judge, prosecutor, or governor.
In most legal systems that practice capital punishment, the issuance of a death warrant follows a careful and thorough legal process. This includes fair trial proceedings, evidence review, sentencing, and potential appeals. Once a person exhausts all legal options and the court upholds the conviction and sentence, the death warrant is issued.
The issuance of a death warrant is a solemn act with profound consequences, symbolizing the lawful deprivation of a person's life. It is controversial and subject to debate, as opponents of capital punishment argue that it violates human rights and lacks the potential for rehabilitation. Proponents, on the other hand, see it as a justifiable means of punishment for the most heinous crimes, aiming to achieve justice, deterrence, or closure for the victims and their families.
It is important to note that the use of the death warrant varies greatly among countries and legal jurisdictions, with some having abolished capital punishment altogether.
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An order signed by the sovereign for the execution of a criminal.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DEATH WARRANT
- seath warrant
- xeath warrant
- ceath warrant
- feath warrant
- eeath warrant
- dwath warrant
- dsath warrant
- ddath warrant
- drath warrant
- d4ath warrant
- d3ath warrant
- dezth warrant
- desth warrant
- dewth warrant
- deqth warrant
- dearh warrant
- deafh warrant
- deagh warrant
- deayh warrant
Etymology of DEATH WARRANT
The word "death warrant" has a straightforward etymology.
The term "death" comes from the Old English word "dēað", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*dauthaz". It has cognates in various Germanic languages, including Old Norse "dauði" and Old High German "tōt". The word ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*dhou-" meaning "to die".
The word "warrant" comes from the Old Norman French word "warant" or "warrant", which means a guarantee or assurance. It can be traced back to the Old French "garant", which comes from the Frankish word "wara", meaning protection or safeguard.
When these two words are combined, "death warrant" refers to a legal document or written order authorizing the execution or killing of a person.
Idioms with the word DEATH WARRANT
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sign own death warrant
The idiom "sign own death warrant" refers to an action or decision that is likely to have severe or disastrous consequences for oneself. It suggests a self-destructive act or choice that will ultimately lead to one's downfall or demise.
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sign your own death warrant
The idiom "sign your own death warrant" means to engage in an action or make a decision that will ultimately lead to one's own downfall or ruin. It often refers to a situation where someone's actions or choices directly contribute to their own negative consequences or demise.
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sign one's own death warrant
The idiom "sign one's own death warrant" means to do or say something that ultimately leads to one's own downfall or demise. It refers to engaging in actions or making decisions that have severe negative consequences, often leading to significant personal or professional damage.
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sign someone's death warrant
The idiom "sign someone's death warrant" means to do or say something that seals someone's fate, often leading to their demise or downfall. It implies a metaphorical act of issuing or authorizing an action or decision that ultimately brings harm, ruin, or destruction to someone's life, reputation, or prospects.
Similar spelling word for DEATH WARRANT
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