Conviction Meaning
Conviction Definition & Usage
A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense, or a strong belief or opinion held by an individual.
Examples
- "The jury reached a conviction after just two days of deliberations."
- "Her conviction in the justice system made her a powerful advocate for reform."
- "He held a strong conviction that climate change was the biggest threat to humanity."
- "After much debate, the court found the defendant guilty, and a conviction was issued."
- "The politician’s conviction on ethical issues won him many supporters."
Cultural Context
In the legal sense, a conviction is the formal result of a trial, where a person is found guilty of a crime. In everyday usage, it also refers to a person's firm belief or principle about something, often tied to a moral stance or ideology.
The Power of Conviction
Story
The Power of Conviction
Alice had always been a person of strong convictions. Whether it was her unwavering belief in environmental conservation or her staunch support for animal rights, she wore her beliefs like armor. But one day, her convictions were put to the test. She had been invited to a public debate on climate change, and the stakes were high—she was representing a non-profit organization committed to fighting global warming. As she prepared for the debate, she reflected on the nature of her convictions. They were not just opinions; they were deeply held truths about the world and humanity's responsibility toward it. When Alice stood at the podium, her voice strong and her gaze unwavering, she could feel the weight of her conviction. It was more than a belief; it was a call to action, a moral duty. Across from her, the opposing side was led by someone equally convicted but in the opposite direction, denying the urgency of climate change. The debate was intense, but Alice's passion and her conviction won the day. She didn't just argue facts; she spoke with the conviction of someone who knew that every action, no matter how small, mattered. However, the true test of conviction came later that evening. Alice received a phone call informing her that her brother had been convicted of fraud. He was facing serious consequences, and the family was torn. For Alice, this was a bitter pill to swallow. How could someone she loved so dearly be guilty of such a crime? It was a crushing blow, but it forced her to reflect on what conviction truly meant. In the courtroom, conviction referred to a legal ruling—her brother's guilt was now a fact of law. But her personal conviction in his goodness, his humanity, led her to work tirelessly for his appeal, holding onto the belief that the truth would eventually emerge. In both the debate and the trial, Alice's sense of conviction guided her actions, but she also learned that conviction could be complex. It wasn't just about being right; it was about staying true to one's principles and seeking the truth, no matter the circumstances.