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

Dictionary Entries Near essential element

Cite this Entry

“Essential element.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/essential%20element. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!