conviction
kun-VIK-shun
/kənˈvɪk.ʃən/
A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense; or a firm belief.
In law, it is the official judicial outcome finding the accused guilty.
The story behind the word. From Latin convincere, combining con- ('altogether') and vincere ('to conquer'). A conviction is literally conquering the defendant's claim of innocence with undeniable proof.
Word relationships
- guilty verdict: Guilty verdict is the finding of the jury; conviction is the resulting legal state.
- acquittal: Acquittal is the formal finding of not guilty.
- exoneration: Exoneration is official clearance from all blame.
Commonly confused with
- persuasion: Persuasion is convincing someone; conviction is the resulting belief or legal verdict.
Word family
- convict (verb): To declare guilty of a criminal offense.
- convict (noun): A person found guilty of a crime and serving a sentence.
Collocations
- prior conviction
- wrongful conviction
- secure a conviction
Idioms & expressions
- speak with conviction
Example sentences
- "The evidence presented led directly to a criminal conviction." Criminal Verdict
- "Defense counsel filed an appeal to overturn the conviction." Appeals Process
Memory hook
ConVICTion turns an accused person into a CONVICT. Proved guilty beyond doubt = Conviction.
When not to use
Do not use in civil trials; civil trials end in liability verdicts, not convictions.
Fun facts
- In non-legal contexts, 'conviction' means a deeply held personal belief.
Also appears in
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