Definition of convict

The word "convict" originated in the 16th century in English legal terms. It was derived from the Latin word "convictus" meaning "acquitted," but in the context of criminal law, it came to mean "found guilty" instead. In England, the term "convict" was used for individuals convicted of serious offenses such as stealing, robbery, or murder. Prior to this, felons (individuals convicted of serious crimes) were punished by physical mutilation, branding, or execution. In the late 17th century, England began sending convicts to its American colonies as a form of punishment and transportation. These convicts were known as "transportees," and the practice continued until the American Revolution. After the loss of the American colonies, England established penal colonies in Australia in 1788 as a new destination for convicted criminals. These colonies became known as "penal settlements," and inmates were referred to as "convicts" because of their guilty verdicts. The system of transporting convicts to a new land for punishment became known as "transportation" and was used in other countries, such as the United States and South Africa, between the 17th and 19th centuries. Today, the term "convict" is primarily used in historical contexts and refers to individuals who have been convicted and imprisoned for serious crimes. In modern legal systems, individuals are more commonly referred to as "inmates" or "prisoners" after they have been incarcerated.