Definition of the word conviction

The word "conviction" has its roots in the Old French word "conveict," which meant "to bring together" or "to convince." However, during the medieval period, it began to take on a different meaning, specifically in the legal context, to describe the act of declaring someone guilty after a trial. This legal usage of the term "conviction" emerged during the 13th century in England, where it would be used to describe the punishment imposed on a criminal as a result of their conviction in a court of law. The term became more commonly used in the English legal system during the reign of King Henry II, who implemented a number of reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law and improving the fairness of the judicial process. Since then, the meaning of "conviction" has broadened to include more general uses, such as referring to a strong personal belief or opinion, but its origins in the legal context remain significant. In fact, in modern legal systems, the term "conviction" continues to be used to describe the formal declaration of guilt in criminal trials.