essential element
noun
es·sen·tial element
: an element of a tort or especially a crime that must be alleged in the complaint or charging instrument (as the indictment) in order to make out a prima facie case
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“Essential element.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/essential%20element. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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