What does the term 'corpus delicti' refer to?

The term 'corpus delicti' refers to the concept of "the body of the crime," which is essential in legal contexts. It encompasses the principle that a crime must be proven to have occurred before an individual can be convicted. This entails demonstrating that a specific harm or loss has taken place and that it was caused by someone's actions. Establishing the corpus delicti is crucial because it signifies that there is sufficient evidence to indicate that a crime has occurred, thus preventing wrongful convictions based solely on a suspect's confession or admission without the necessary evidential backing. In this sense, the phrase serves as a foundational element in criminal law to ensure that the justice system operates fairly and based on evidence.