essential element

noun

es·​sen·​tial element
: an element of a tort or especially a crime that must be alleged in the complaint or charging instrument (as the indictment) in order to make out a prima facie case

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Cite this Entry

“Essential element.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/essential%20element. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

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