What does the term corpus delicti refer to in legal terms?

The term "corpus delicti" is a legal concept that translates literally to "body of the crime." It refers to the essential elements that must be established to prove that a crime occurred. This includes not only the proof that a certain act (the crime) took place but also that the action involved a violation of the law. It serves to ensure that a conviction is based on solid evidence of a crime and not merely on confessions or statements from witnesses.

In a legal context, demonstrating corpus delicti requires showing two main points: that a specific crime has been committed and that the person accused of the crime was involved. This principle helps to prevent wrongful convictions by ensuring there is concrete evidence that a crime exists before a person can be found guilty. Thus, understanding corpus delicti is crucial in criminal law as it lays the foundational elements necessary for the prosecution's case.