How Do You Spell COLD CASE?

Pronunciation: [kˈə͡ʊld kˈe͡ɪs] (IPA)

The term "cold case" refers to an unsolved criminal case from the past that has not been actively pursued by law enforcement in recent years. The spelling of "cold case" is straightforward, with both words spelled phonetically. "Cold" is pronounced /kəʊld/ with the "o" pronounced as a long vowel and the "ld" pronounced as a voiced consonant. "Case" is pronounced /keɪs/ with the "a" pronounced as a long vowel and the "s" pronounced as an unvoiced consonant. Together, the phonetic spelling of "cold case" reflects the word's straightforward and descriptive meaning.

COLD CASE Meaning and Definition

1. A "cold case" refers to a criminal investigation or legal case that remains unsolved or unresolved despite a significant period, often years or even decades, having passed since the occurrence of the crime. These cases typically involve serious offenses, such as murder, kidnapping, or major theft, and are characterized by the lack of viable leads or evidence, hindering the progress of the investigation. The term "cold case" implies that the case has become stagnant, without any active pursuit by law enforcement agencies or legal authorities due to the lack of immediate leads or breakthroughs.

   Cold cases often pose significant challenges as crucial evidence may have been lost or degraded over time, witnesses may have disappeared or passed away, or technological advancements and investigative techniques may not have been available at the time of the initial investigation. However, advancements in forensic science, DNA analysis, and new investigative methods occasionally allow authorities to revisit these cases and potentially uncover new information or evidence.

   Reopening a cold case may occur due to various reasons, such as the emergence of new leads, public pressure, advancements in forensic techniques, the confession of a suspect, or the discovery of new potential witnesses. Such cases usually require dedicated efforts, expertise, and collaboration between various law enforcement agencies, forensic scientists, and legal professionals.

Etymology of COLD CASE

The word "cold case" originated in the United States and emerged as a colloquial term within law enforcement in the mid-20th century. The term combines two separate meanings: "cold" to describe an inactive or stalled investigation, and "case" to refer to a criminal investigation. However, there is no specific etymology recorded for this term, as it developed through common usage in the context of unsolved criminal cases.