Cinayet

Cinayet, Turkish for murder or homicide, denotes the unlawful killing of one person by another. In everyday language it is used for intentional killings; in legal contexts it designates offenses against life and is distinguished from other forms of death such as accident (kaza) or suicide.

Etymology: The word originates from Arabic jināyah (crime) and entered Turkish through Persian or Arabic influence; phonological form "cinayet" is the Turkish spelling.

Legal framework: Under the Turkish Penal Code, murder provisions are described as kasten öldürme (murder with intent) or taksirle öldürme (caused by negligence). Aggravating circumstances can create the cinayetin nitelikli hâlleri (aggravated forms) with higher penalties. Penalties vary with intent, circumstances, and victim.

Prosecution and enforcement: Cases are investigated by police, prosecuted by the public prosecutor, and adjudicated by courts; evidence includes forensics, witness testimony, and circumstantial evidence.

Cultural and social context: The term cinayet is widely used in Turkish media, literature, and film to describe murder cases, often focusing on motive, investigation, or trial.