Legal Definitions - perp walk

Definition: Perp walk is a slang term used to describe the act of making a suspect in custody walk in front of an audience, especially members of the media. The term "perp" is short for perpetrator, which means a person who has committed a crime.

Example: When a high-profile suspect is arrested, the police may arrange a perp walk to show the suspect to the media. For example, if a celebrity is arrested for drunk driving, the police may make them walk in handcuffs from the police car to the station while the media takes pictures and videos.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a perp walk is used to showcase a suspect in custody to the media. The police may use this tactic to deter others from committing similar crimes or to show that they are taking the crime seriously. However, some people argue that perp walks violate the suspect's rights and are a form of public shaming.