Delito refers to an act that is against the law and punishable by the state. It can encompass a wide range of unlawful actions, from minor offenses (like petty theft) to serious crimes (like murder).
In Spanish-speaking contexts, the term is frequently used in both oral and written language, particularly in legal discussions, news reports, and academic writings related to law and order. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to any act that violates the law.
(The crime of theft has increased in our city.)
Los abogados se especializan en defender a los acusados de delitos.
(Lawyers specialize in defending those accused of crimes.)
Cometer un delito tiene consecuencias legales graves.
While delito may not have a plethora of idiomatic expressions directly associated with it, it can appear in various phrases discussing legal and moral contexts.
(There is no crime that goes undetected.)
Delito de opinión.
(Crime of opinion; refers to actions penalizing free expression.)
Instruir un delito.
(To investigate a crime; involves the judicial process of examining a crime.)
Delito y castigo.
(Crime and punishment; a common phrase referring to the philosophical and legal discourse on law.)
El delito no paga.
The word delito comes from the Latin delictum, which means "a fault" or "an offense." This root reflects the concept of wrongdoing that violates societal norms and laws.
This information provides a comprehensive overview of the term delito and its relevance in the context of legal discussions and everyday language.