RAPSHEET Meaning and
Definition
-
A rapsheet is a noun that refers to a comprehensive record or profile of an individual's criminal history or activities. It is typically compiled by law enforcement agencies, often containing extensive details that encompass a person's arrests, convictions, charges, and other relevant information related to their involvement in criminal activities. The term "rapsheet" is a colloquialism derived from the combination of "rap" and "sheet," where "rap" refers to a slang term for a criminal charge or conviction, and "sheet" denotes a written document or record.
The information included in a rapsheet is vital for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and other legal professionals as it provides a concise summary of a person's criminal background. Rapsheets are commonly used during criminal investigations, court proceedings, and sentencing in order to assess an individual's prior criminal behavior and determine the appropriate course of action based on their history.
Many countries have centralized databases where rapsheets are maintained, allowing authorized personnel to access and update these records as needed. These databases serve as valuable tools for cross-referencing criminal activities and aiding law enforcement efforts in identifying repeat offenders or patterns of criminal behavior.
In summary, a rapsheet serves as a comprehensive written account of an individual's criminal history, including arrests, convictions, charges, and related information. It is an essential tool utilized by law enforcement agencies and legal professionals to assess and evaluate a person's criminal background for investigative, prosecutorial, and sentencing purposes.
Common Misspellings for RAPSHEET
- eapsheet
- dapsheet
- fapsheet
- tapsheet
- 5apsheet
- 4apsheet
- rzpsheet
- rspsheet
- rwpsheet
- rqpsheet
- raosheet
- ralsheet
- ra-sheet
- ra0sheet
- rapaheet
- rapzheet
- rapxheet
- rapdheet
- rapeheet
- rapwheet
Etymology of RAPSHEET
The word "rapsheet" is a slang term that originated in the United States. It is primarily used to refer to a criminal record or a documented history of a person's criminal activities.
The term "rapsheet" is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century, most likely in the criminal underworld or among law enforcement communities. The exact etymology of the word is not definitively known, but there are a few theories.
One theory suggests that "rap" in this context refers to a criminal's confession. In the underworld slang of the time, "to rap" meant to confess or disclose information. Therefore, a "rapsheet" would be a document containing the confessions or statements made by a criminal offender.
Another theory links the term to the use of the word "rapture".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
