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Dictionary definition of entrapment

The act of tricking or inducing someone into committing a crime they wouldn't have otherwise committed.
"The undercover agent was criticized for using entrapment to secure a conviction."

Detailed meaning of entrapment

In other words, entrapment occurs when law enforcement officials or undercover agents coax, lure, or persuade someone into committing a criminal act that they wouldn't have done on their own. The aim of entrapment is to obtain evidence or a confession from the individual that can be used to charge and prosecute them for the crime. However, entrapment is illegal and is considered a violation of an individual's civil rights. The use of entrapment by law enforcement is only acceptable in certain circumstances where there is clear evidence that the individual was already inclined to commit the crime before being enticed. In general, entrapment is seen as a controversial and ethically dubious tactic.

Example sentences of entrapment

1. Entrapment is a legal defense claiming someone was coerced into unlawful actions.
2. The suspect claimed he fell victim to police entrapment during the sting operation.
3. The undercover officer denied any involvement in entrapment tactics.
4. The court ruled that the defendant had been a victim of entrapment.
5. Law enforcement must avoid engaging in entrapment to ensure fair trials.
6. The defense attorney argued that the arrest was a result of entrapment.

History and etymology of entrapment

The noun 'entrapment' has an etymology that mirrors its concept of luring or tricking someone into committing a crime. It derives from the Middle English word 'entrapen,' which means 'to catch in a trap.' The term 'entrapment' essentially encapsulates the idea of catching someone like a wild animal ensnared in a trap. In a legal context, it refers to the act of inducing or tricking an individual into committing a crime they would not have otherwise committed. The etymology vividly conveys the notion of a carefully laid trap, emphasizing the element of deceit or manipulation involved in cases of entrapment, where the individual is unwittingly led into criminal behavior.

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Further usage examples of entrapment

1. The legal team built a case around the allegation of police entrapment.
2. The jury had to determine if the defendant's actions were due to entrapment.
3. Public opinion on entrapment varies, with some seeing it as a necessary tactic.
4. Critics argue that entrapment can lead to wrongful convictions.
5. The case raised questions about the ethics of using entrapment in investigations.
6. The documentary explored the controversial use of entrapment in law enforcement.
7. The undercover operation blurred the line between surveillance and entrapment.
8. The defense attorney filed a motion to dismiss based on claims of entrapment.
9. The court's decision hinged on whether entrapment was a factor.
10. The legal system has guidelines to determine cases of entrapment.
11. The prosecution argued that the defendant's actions were not due to entrapment.
12. The debate on the use of entrapment in anti-terrorism efforts continues.
13. The suspect claimed that the confidential informant had lured him into entrapment.
14. The defense's expert witness testified on the psychology of entrapment.
15. The jury deliberated for hours, considering the possibility of entrapment.
16. The journalist's investigation revealed instances of entrapment in police work.
17. Some argue that entrapment blurs the line between justice and manipulation.
18. The case was dismissed due to a lack of evidence to prove entrapment.
19. Public awareness of entrapment's implications has grown in recent years.