Legal Definitions - dominicide

Definition: Dominicide (də-min-ə-said) is a historical term that comes from the Latin words dominus, meaning "master," and caedo, meaning "to kill." It refers to the act of killing one's own master or a person who kills their master.

Examples:

• In ancient Rome, dominicide was considered a serious crime punishable by death. Slaves who killed their masters were often executed or subjected to brutal punishments.
• In some cultures, dominicide was seen as a way for slaves to gain their freedom. If a slave killed their master, they could be granted their freedom as a reward.
• There have been cases throughout history of people killing their bosses or employers, which could be considered a modern form of dominicide.

The examples illustrate how dominicide has been viewed and punished throughout history. In ancient Rome, it was a crime punishable by death, while in other cultures, it was seen as a way for slaves to gain their freedom. Today, killing one's boss or employer is a serious crime that can result in imprisonment or even the death penalty in some countries.