Definition: One of the three branches of rhetoric, speech or writing that considers the justice or injustice of a certain charge or accusation.
Etymology:
From the Latin, "judgment"
Examples:
- "And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King."
(The Bible)
- "Although the evidence at this trial shows that Charles Manson was the leader of the conspiracy to commit these murders, there is no evidence that he actually personally killed any of the seven victims in this case."
(Vincent Bugliosi)
- "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit."
(Johnnie Cochran, referring to a black glove, in defense of O. J. Simpson)