Latin quote · Law
In flagrante delicto
“In the very act of committing the offence.”
Legal Latin phrase
Translation
What does “In flagrante delicto” mean?
In flagrante delicto translates as “In the very act of committing the offence.”
It means being caught red-handed while doing something wrong. In everyday English it is often used humorously for being caught in a compromising situation.
Origin
The story behind it
A term of legal Latin, literally "while the crime is blazing". It is used in law to describe arrest at the moment a crime is committed.
When to use it
How to use “In flagrante delicto”
A witty headline for a crime-novel blog or a law student’s notes.
- Latin
- In flagrante delicto
- English
- In the very act of committing the offence.
- Source
- Legal Latin phrase
- Era
- Legal Latin
- Theme
- Law
Keep reading
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He who overlooks a wrong invites the next offence.
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Seize every hour … while we put life off, it runs past.
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