Changes

==Origin==

==Origin==

Anglo-French ''cul''. (abbreviation of ''culpable'' [[guilty]]) + ''prest'', ''prit'' ready (i.e., to [[prove]] it), from [[Latin]] ''praestus''

Anglo-French ''cul''. (abbreviation of ''culpable'' [[guilty]]) + ''prest'', ''prit'' ready (i.e., to [[prove]] it), from [[Latin]] ''praestus''

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_century 1678]

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_century 1678]

==Definitions==

==Definitions==

*1: one accused of or charged with a [[crime]]

*1: one accused of or charged with a [[crime]]

*3: the source or cause of a [[problem]]

*3: the source or cause of a [[problem]]

==Description==

==Description==

A '''culprit''', under English [[law]] properly the ''prisoner at the bar'', is one [[accused]] of a [[crime]]. The term is used, generally, of one [[guilty]] of an [[offence]]. In [[origin]] the word is a combination of two Anglo-French legal [[words]], ''culpable'': guilty, and ''prit'' or ''prest'': Old French: ready. On the prisoner at the bar pleading not guilty, the clerk of the crown answered culpable, and states that he was ready (prest) to join issue. The words "cul. prist" were then entered on the roll, showing that issue had been joined. When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_law French law] terms were discontinued, the words were taken as forming one word addressed to the [[prisoner]].

A '''culprit''', under English [[law]] properly the ''prisoner at the bar'', is one [[accused]] of a [[crime]]. The term is used, generally, of one [[guilty]] of an [[offence]]. In [[origin]] the word is a combination of two Anglo-French legal [[words]], ''culpable'': guilty, and ''prit'' or ''prest'': Old French: ready. On the prisoner at the bar pleading not guilty, the clerk of the crown answered culpable, and states that he was ready (prest) to join issue. The words "cul. prist" were then entered on the roll, showing that issue had been joined. When [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_law French law] terms were discontinued, the words were taken as forming one word addressed to the [[prisoner]].

The formula "Culprit, how will you be tried?" in answer to a plea of "not guilty," is first found in the [[trial]] for murder of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Herbert,_7th_Earl_of_Pembroke 7th Earl of Pembroke] in 1678.

The formula "Culprit, how will you be tried?" in answer to a plea of "not guilty," is first found in the [[trial]] for murder of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Herbert,_7th_Earl_of_Pembroke 7th Earl of Pembroke] in 1678.

This article incorporates [[text]] from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica_Eleventh_Edition Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.)]. [[Cambridge University Press]].

This article incorporates [[text]] from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica_Eleventh_Edition Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.)]. [[Cambridge University Press]].

Under modern [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_law criminal law], the preferred term is ''defendant''.  

Under modern [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_law criminal law], the preferred term is ''defendant''.  

[[Category: Law]]

[[Category: Law]]