Latrocínio

Latrocínio is a term derived from Latin, combining "latro" meaning thief and "cinium" referring to a dog or a violent act. It specifically denotes the crime of robbery that results in death. This offense is distinct from simple homicide or murder in that the intent to kill is not necessarily premeditated but arises as a consequence of the robbery. The primary objective of the perpetrator is theft, and the death occurs during the commission of this act, often as a means to facilitate the escape or to silence a victim.

In legal systems where the concept of latrocínio is recognized, it is typically classified as a grave offense, often carrying severe penalties. The severity stems from the combination of two inherently wrongful acts: the violation of property rights through theft and the ultimate violation of the right to life. The legal distinction is crucial because it focuses on the context and the sequence of events. While murder involves the intentional taking of a life, latrocínio centers on a death that occurs during the perpetration of a robbery, regardless of whether the killing was initially planned.

The legal framework surrounding latrocínio can vary between jurisdictions. Some legal systems may treat it as a form of aggravated homicide or a distinct crime altogether. The specific elements required to prove latrocínio often include the commission of a robbery and the death of a person occurring during or immediately after that robbery. The causal link between the robbery and the death is a fundamental aspect of establishing guilt for this crime.