Contract killings is a term used to describe a premeditated murder that is carried out on behalf of a third party for payment. The spelling of this phrase is unique due to the silent letters within it. The first syllable, "con," is pronounced with a /k/ sound while the second syllable, "tract," is pronounced with a /t/ sound. The final syllable, "killings," is pronounced with a voiced /z/ sound at the end. Despite its spelling, Contract killings remains a commonly used term in the criminal justice system.
Contract killings, also commonly referred to as "hired killings" or "assassinations for hire," are criminal acts in which an individual or group of individuals is hired to commit murder in exchange for financial compensation. The term "contract killings" typically encompasses a wide range of illegal activities that involve the deliberate and premeditated killing of a specific target.
In such cases, a contract is established between the person seeking the murder, commonly known as the "contractor," and the hired killer, usually referred to as the "contract killer" or "hitman." This contract outlines the details of the murder, such as the identity of the target, the agreed-upon method of killing, the payment amount, and any other specific instructions or conditions.
Contract killings are often motivated by a variety of factors, including financial gain, personal vendettas, or settling disputes. The motives can range from organized crime involvement to personal grudges or even politically motivated assassinations. These acts are frequently associated with criminal organizations, such as organized crime syndicates, but they can also be carried out independently.
Due to their illicit nature, contract killings are illegal in nearly all jurisdictions worldwide. Law enforcement agencies devote significant resources to identifying and apprehending those involved in contract killings, as they are considered serious crimes that endanger public safety and undermine the foundations of a just society.
The term "contract killings" is derived from the word "contract". In this context, a contract refers to an agreement or arrangement made between two or more parties for a specific purpose. The term "killings" refers to the act of causing someone's death. Therefore, "contract killings" refers to instances where someone is hired or commissioned to carry out a murder, typically in exchange for payment. The term gained prominence in association with organized crime activities, particularly mafia or other criminal organizations.