What does the term corpus delicti specifically refer to?

The term corpus delicti specifically refers to "the body of the crime." This concept is fundamental in criminal law, as it encompasses the essential elements that must be established to prove that a crime has occurred. Corpus delicti is typically comprised of two components: the occurrence of a specific injury or loss (such as a person's death or property damage) and the existence of a criminal act that caused that injury or loss.

Understanding corpus delicti is crucial because it ensures that individuals cannot be prosecuted for a crime without sufficient evidence that a crime has actually been committed. This principle helps to safeguard against wrongful convictions by requiring that there is clear and convincing proof of both the act and the resulting harm before a prosecution can move forward.