Legal Definitions - criminaliter

Criminaliter is a Latin term meaning "criminally." It describes an action, behavior, or intent that is related to, constitutes, or is treated as a crime under the law. When an act is described as criminaliter, it signifies that the act carries the potential for criminal prosecution and penalties, distinguishing it from civil wrongs or other non-criminal offenses.

• Example 1: A disgruntled former employee, seeking revenge, intentionally hacks into their previous company's computer system to steal sensitive client data. The prosecutor would argue that the employee acted criminaliter, as their actions involved unauthorized access and theft of data, which are criminal offenses.

  Explanation: The employee's actions are described as criminaliter because they constitute a clear violation of criminal law (e.g., computer fraud, data theft) and were undertaken with criminal intent, making them subject to criminal charges rather than just a civil lawsuit for damages.

• Example 2: A group of individuals conspires to manufacture and distribute counterfeit currency. Law enforcement investigates their activities, stating that the group is operating criminaliter.

  Explanation: The term criminaliter applies here because the entire operation, from conspiracy to manufacturing and distribution, involves acts that are explicitly prohibited by criminal statutes, such as counterfeiting and fraud. These actions are not merely unethical but are direct violations of criminal law.

• Example 3: During a heated argument, one person physically assaults another, causing significant injury. The police report notes that the aggressor acted criminaliter by initiating the unprovoked attack.

  Explanation: The assault is characterized as criminaliter because it is a physical act of violence that violates criminal laws against battery or assault. The intent to cause harm, or the reckless disregard for the victim's safety, elevates the incident from a mere dispute to a criminal matter, warranting potential arrest and prosecution.