Usage Note
Mordmerkmal is a statutory criterion under §211 StGB that elevates a killing to murder, such as premeditation (Heimtücke), cruelty (Grausamkeit), or base motives (niedrige Beweggründe); without one, the offence is Totschlag.
Examples
"Die Staatsanwaltschaft sah das Mordmerkmal der Heimtücke als erfüllt an."
Natural Translation
The prosecution considered the murder criterion of treachery to be fulfilled.
Literal Translation
The state-attorney saw the murder-feature of treachery as fulfilled on.
Related Words
- Abmahnschreiben formal warning letter (demanding cessation of unlawful conduct)
- Abschiebung deportation
- Akteneinsicht access to files
- Amtsgericht local court
- Amtspflicht official duty; duty of care owed by a public official
- Anfechtungsklage action for annulment
- Angeklagte defendant
- Anhörung hearing; right to be heard (before a decision is made)
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