ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

In legal contexts, what does "corpus delicti" refer to?

1. The tangible evidence of a crime

2. The testimony provided by witnesses

3. The body of a victim in a murder case

4. The act of committing a crime

The correct answer is: The tangible evidence of a crime

"Corpus delicti" is a Latin term that translates to "body of the crime." In legal contexts, it specifically refers to the tangible evidence of a crime that illustrates every aspect of its commission. This concept is fundamental because it establishes that a crime has indeed occurred before anyone can be convicted of that offense. The evidence collected must demonstrate that a crime was committed even without the presence of a suspect or the victim's identity. This term encompasses various forms of evidence, such as physical proof, documents, or other materials that substantiate the existence of a crime. For example, in cases of theft, corpus delicti might include the stolen items themselves, or in case of arson, it could involve remnants of the burned structure. This is crucial for ensuring due process within the judicial system. While other options touch on aspects of a crime, they do not embody the full legal definition that "corpus delicti" represents. Testimony from witnesses or the presence of a victim’s body could be part of the evidence related to a crime, but they do not encompass the broader, foundational aspect of establishing that a crime has occurred as required by the corpus delicti doctrine.