MUG SHOT Meaning and
Definition
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A mug shot refers to a photographic portrait of a person's face and upper body, typically taken by law enforcement agencies upon an individual's arrest or detention. It is commonly used as a visual record of a person's appearance at the time of their interaction with the criminal justice system. The term "mug shot" derives from the British slang word "mug," meaning the face or expression of a person.
The purpose of a mug shot is to provide law enforcement agencies with a visual identification tool, aiding in future investigations, case documentation, and criminal records. Typically captured against a plain background, the subject is usually photographed from both front and side angles, capturing their facial features, distinguishing marks, and any potential injuries sustained during the arrest.
Mug shots are often accompanied by essential information about the arrested individual, such as their name, date of birth, and details of the alleged offense or charges. They serve as an integral part of the documentation process throughout the criminal justice system, including court proceedings, record-keeping, and potential identification by witnesses or victims of a crime.
Mug shots are typically considered public records, subject to access and dissemination according to applicable laws, which vary across jurisdictions. They are often shared with law enforcement agencies, media outlets, and sometimes published in newspapers, websites, or television reports. However, legal restrictions and privacy concerns can limit their availability or release under certain circumstances or for specific categories of individuals, depending on age, minor status, or other factors.
Common Misspellings for MUG SHOT
- nug shot
- kug shot
- jug shot
- myg shot
- mhg shot
- mjg shot
- mig shot
- m8g shot
- m7g shot
- muf shot
- muv shot
- mub shot
- muh shot
- muy shot
- mut shot
- mug ahot
- mug sho
Etymology of MUG SHOT
The etymology of the word "mug shot" dates back to the early 19th century. The term "mug" originated from the British slang word "mugg", which referred to the face or mouth. It eventually evolved to specifically mean the face in the context of a photograph.
The word "shot" in "mug shot" is related to the verb "to shoot", which originally meant to capture or take a picture. Over time, "shot" became associated with photography, and "mug shot" came to refer specifically to a photograph of a person's face, typically taken for identification purposes, especially in the context of criminal records.
Similar spelling word for MUG SHOT
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