frame-ups
Manufactured criminal evidence
Frame-ups are schemes in which innocent people are made to appear guilty of crimes or wrongdoing through falsified evidence or false testimony.
The term implies deliberate manipulation by those with power—police, prosecutors, or rivals—to secure a conviction or destroy a reputation: The defense argued the drug charges were frame-ups orchestrated by corrupt detectives.
How something is arranged
- entrapmentDefense against induced criminality
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
incrimination · fabrication · falsification · collusion · sting · pretext · ploy · ruse
Unfounded claim of guilt
- miscarriage of justiceLegal system punishing the innocent
- exonerationOfficial clearing of blame
- innocenceFreedom from wrongdoing
- acquittalFormal clearing of charges
appeal · overturn · conviction · indictment · arraignment · trial · evidence · testimony
Deliberate deception for effect
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- shamFraudulent imitation
- fakeNot the real thing
- forgeryCreating fraudulent imitations
fabrication · misrepresentation · falsification · counterfeit · trickery · deceit · phony · con
Treacherous deception of partner
- backstabbingCovert betrayal of trust
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- selloutCompromiser of integrity
- informantOne who provides intelligence
snitch · rat · turncoat · betrayer · set up · accomplice · co-conspirator · informer
Being made to suffer
- persecutionSystematic mistreatment of groups
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- abuse of powerMisusing entrusted authority
railroading · discrimination · bias · prejudice · inequality · wrongful imprisonment · coercion · intimidation
setup
How something is arranged
- entrapmentDefense against induced criminality
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- plotStoryline or land parcel
conspiracy · incrimination · fabrication · falsification · collusion · sting · pretext · ploy · ruse · stratagem
wrongful accusation
Unfounded claim of guilt
- miscarriage of justiceLegal system punishing the innocent
- exonerationOfficial clearing of blame
- innocenceFreedom from wrongdoing
acquittal · appeal · overturn · conviction · indictment · arraignment · trial · evidence · testimony · alibi
hoax
Deliberate deception for effect
forgery · fabrication · misrepresentation · falsification · counterfeit · trickery · deceit · phony · con · scam
double-cross
Treacherous deception of partner
- backstabbingCovert betrayal of trust
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- selloutCompromiser of integrity
informant · snitch · rat · turncoat · betrayer · set up · accomplice · co-conspirator · informer · stool pigeon
victimization
Being made to suffer
- persecutionSystematic mistreatment of groups
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
abuse of power · railroading · discrimination · bias · prejudice · inequality · wrongful imprisonment · coercion · intimidation · cover-up
frame-upsexonerations
Clearances from accusation
vindications · acquittals · clearances · clearings · absolutions