Fugitive From Justice Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Fugitive From Justice, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Fugitive From Justice?

(n) Fugitive from Justice is the person convicted or accused of a crime, who was fleeing away or hiding from the enforcement of legal action against him.

History and Meaning of Fugitive From Justice

A fugitive from justice is a person who is on the run, evading or trying to escape legal punishment. Such an individual may have been accused or convicted of a crime and is avoiding being caught and brought to justice. Historically, “fugitives from justice” were first mentioned in the US Constitution's Article IV, which obliged the states to turn over suspected criminals, who fled across state borders, to the state where they were accused or convicted of wrongdoing.

The term "Fugitive from Justice" has its roots in common law, where it was used to describe a person who escaped or fled persecution or prosecution for their crimes. The fugitive was commonly referred to as "outlaw," which means "outside the law," an individual who was not entitled to any legal protection provided by the state.

Examples of Fugitive From Justice

  1. John Smith is a fugitive from justice, wanted for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
  2. After the court convicted him of murder, Patrick escaped from prison and is now operating as a fugitive from justice, hiding somewhere in the country.
  3. The police received a warrant for the arrest of Robert, who then quickly fled town, making him a fugitive from justice.

Legal Terms Similar to Fugitive From Justice

  1. Extradition: Extradition is a legal process by which a person who has been accused or convicted of a crime in one country is handed over by the authorities of that country to another country where they are required to stand trial or serve their sentence.
  2. Criminal defendant: A criminal defendant is a person brought before a court to answer charges against them for violating a statute or law.
  3. Bail-Bondsmen: A bail bondsman is a person or organization that provides surety to secure the release of a criminal defendant in return for some monetary consideration.