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Extrajudicial Killing: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Legal Implications
Definition & Meaning
Extrajudicial killing refers to the intentional act of killing an individual without legal authorization from a court. This type of killing occurs outside the framework of the law, meaning it lacks the judicial safeguards typically required in a legal proceeding. Such actions are considered violations of both domestic and international law, as they deny individuals their right to a fair trial and due process.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Extrajudicial killings are primarily discussed within the realms of criminal law and human rights law. They are often associated with state-sponsored violence, such as actions taken by government authorities against perceived threats, dissidents, or minority groups. Legal professionals may encounter this term in cases involving human rights violations, international law, and civil rights litigation. Users can explore US Legal Forms for templates related to civil rights claims or reports on human rights abuses.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
One example of extrajudicial killing is when law enforcement agencies target individuals suspected of crimes without following proper legal procedures. This may include summary executions or killings conducted without trial or due process.
(Hypothetical example) In a fictional country, a government may order the assassination of political opponents without any judicial oversight, classifying these actions as extrajudicial killings.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
Judicial Killing
Execution carried out following a legal trial and sentencing.
Judicial killings are sanctioned by law, while extrajudicial killings are not.
Targeted Killing
Deliberate killing of a specific individual, often in military operations.
Targeted killings may have legal justifications under certain circumstances, unlike extrajudicial killings.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you believe you or someone else has been a victim of extrajudicial killing, it is crucial to seek legal assistance. Document any evidence and report the incident to appropriate authorities or human rights organizations. Users can also explore US Legal Forms for templates related to filing complaints or reports regarding human rights violations. In complex cases, consulting with a legal professional is highly recommended.
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