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Delaware Code Title 11. Crimes and Criminal Procedure § 3531. Definitions

Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this subchapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(1) “Malice” shall mean an intent to vex, annoy, harm or injure in any way another person, or to thwart or interfere in any manner with the orderly administration of justice.

(2) “Victim” shall mean any natural person against whom any crime (as defined under the laws of this State, of any other state or of the United States) has been attempted, is being perpetrated or has been perpetrated.

(3) “Witness” shall mean any natural person:

a. Having knowledge of the existence or nonexistence of facts relating to any crime;  or

b. Whose declaration under oath is received, or has been received, as evidence for any purpose;  or

c. Who has reported any crime to any peace officer, prosecuting agency, law-enforcement officer, probation officer, parole officer, correctional officer or judicial officer;  or

d. Who has been served with a subpoena issued under the authority of any court of this State, of any other state or of the United States;  or

e. Who would be believed by any reasonable person to be an individual described in any paragraph of this subparagraph of this paragraph.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Delaware Code Title 11. Crimes and Criminal Procedure § 3531. Definitions - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/de/title-11-crimes-and-criminal-procedure/de-code-sect-11-3531/

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