Rethinking Femicide: Legal Definitions, European Frameworks, and the Case Against Separate Criminalisation

This article explores the phenomenon of femicide and its legal implications, focusing on its definitions and application in various jurisdictions. The analysis begins by reviewing the term “femicide”, highlighting key definitions proposed in both academic and legal contexts. A comprehensive overview of European legal systems that have adopted the term is provided, with a critical evaluation of the practical utility of these provisions. The discussion culminates in a consideration of the appropriateness of creating distinct criminal offences for femicide, advocating instead for the integration of sexist motivation within existing homicide laws, to better address gender-based violence without necessitating the introduction of separate legal categories.