Frame Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Frame.

Frame (verb)

  1. To construct or manufacture evidence or a story, often dishonestly, with the goal of falsely implicating someone in wrongdoing. Example: "The suspect claimed he'd been framed for the theft he did not commit."

  2. To formulate or shape a concept, plan, or system.

Note: Although "frame" is commonly used in everyday language with various meanings, in a legal context, it most typically refers to the act of manipulating evidence to falsely accuse someone of a crime or misdeed.