CONTRACT MURDER Meaning and
Definition
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A contract murder refers to the act of intentionally killing an individual as a result of an agreement, contract, or arrangement. Also known as a "hired killing" or "assassination for hire," it involves one party, the client, paying or promising compensation to another individual, the assassin or hitman, to carry out the planned murder.
Typically, a contract murder contains certain key elements: a clear motive for the killing, a target selected by the client, an agreed-upon fee or other form of payment, and an understanding of the method or means by which the murder is to be executed. The agreement may be formal or informal, and often occurs discreetly to avoid legal detection.
Contract murders are often associated with criminal activities, organized crime syndicates, or illegal operations. They are usually commissioned to eliminate someone considered a threat, to settle personal disputes, gain power, or facilitate illicit activities without the client's direct involvement. Due to their clandestine nature, contract murders are meticulously planned and executed to maintain secrecy and minimize the risk of discovery.
Contract murders are considered egregious crimes due to their premeditated nature and the deliberate violation of an individual's right to life. They are universally condemned, illegal in most jurisdictions, and carry severe penalties if uncovered and prosecuted. Law enforcement agencies worldwide engage in extensive efforts to prevent, investigate, and bring to justice those involved in contract murders, aiming to deter potential perpetrators and safeguard public safety.
Etymology of CONTRACT MURDER
The word "contract murder" combines two separate terms: "contract" and "murder".
The term "contract" originates from the Latin word "contractus", which means "drawn together" or "brought together". In legal terms, a contract refers to an agreement between two or more parties, outlining their rights and obligations. Over time, the term "contract" expanded to include various types of agreements, including illegal ones.
The word "murder" can be traced back to the Old English word "morðor", which means "killing of another human being with intent". It can also be linked to the Proto-Germanic word "murþraz", which has a similar meaning.
"Contract murder" specifically refers to hiring or paying someone to commit intentional homicide.
