Is it against the law to threaten to kill someone?

Answer 1

This is a very interesting area of law.

Take into consideration what a threat is: a notion, made to another human being, that harm - or an otherwise unfriendly act - would be committed unto them due to a given reason or fulfilment of a given action. Now, the fact of the matter is that not all threats will be made with malicious intent, and may instead be made with a friendly reason. These 'threats' may not be against the law.

In the long run, it is up to the receiver of the threat as to whether it is a criminal offense. Verbal threats can be considered harassment, and considering that even bullying - whether it's cyber, mental or physical - is illegal, it becomes very difficult to ascertain a true meaning.

In the example given, a threat to kill someone contains malicious intent. However, if this threat is made to a friend, in a friendly manner, it stands to reason that the words that were spoken were merely words, and contained no ill-fated actions. This said, a threat can be made to a friend, and still be a realthreat.

In the long run, don't make threats to kill people. Threatening behaviour is dangerous and can lead to severe consequences; so unless the person you are 'threatening' knows there is no danger to their life and they know that you are joking, don't make the threat.

Another View: SHORT ANSWER - - check the laws of your particular state or nation. Not all jurisdictisons treat 'threats' in the same manner, and usually more

than just simple verbiage is necessary in order to elevate the threat from simple 'nasty language' to an unlawful act.

Answer 2

Yes it is. Since September 11, 2001, most states have added or modified a law. It is called "Terroristic Threatening". If you threaten to "Kick some bodies butt", you can be charged with Terroristic Threatening. It is a misdemenor (Or at least in the state I reside in) Search your local statutes of call your local police department for more information.

Answer 3

Yes, but it depends on your state's laws. In Maryland, for example, most threats are not considered to be illegal acts punishable by law. It has to be assault (not to be confused with battery).

Answer 4

If the person you threaten believes the threat, than yes. If you use the phrase 'I'll kill you' casually and it is not taken to be a literal threat on someone's life, than no.

Yes - at least it is in the UK. 'Making threats to kill' is a specific criminal offence.

Answer 5

It some jurisdictions verbal threats ARE considered a crime, in others verbal threats - unaccompanied by any means of method to carry them out - are considered to be 'free speech.' You need to check your local laws.

Answer 6

no its commonly known as harrassing someone. You can be charged for it.

Added: As with all things concerning the law - IT DEPENDS.

It usually has much to do with the circumstances under which the threat was made or what the "threat" consisted of.

In many instances, a spoken threat unaccompanied by any means, action, or method with which to carry it out is Constitutionally protected free speech.

Answer 7

Best guess, it can be. It would depend entirely on the specifics.

Answer 8

Yes it is ,uttering threats to cause bodily harm or death is a serious offence in many parts of the world .