What Does it Mean to Hold Someone Criminally Liable?

Criminal liability is an element of the justice system.

Criminal liability is a legal term describing a certain kind of legal obligation. The term focuses on wrongdoing that is prosecuted by the state. To hold someone criminally liable means to accuse them of such wrongdoing and to seek accountability from them for the criminal act.

Liability

The legal term liability means an obligation, hindrance or disadvantage. When liability is placed on someone, it means they are responsible to answer for certain actions.

Criminal Liabilty

Criminal liability is a specific kind of liability imposed under the guidance of criminal laws. In a criminal prosecution, the defending party is criminally liable for the wrongdoings under investigation.

Holding Someone Criminally Liable

Holding someone criminally liable means to accuse them of breaking criminal law. For example, an accomplice can be held criminally liable for helping another individual break the law, as can the person who broke the law.

References

• Dictionary: Liability.
• Legal Dictionary: Criminal liability.