noun
crime of conscience
Legal term: a crime committed out of firm moral, political, or religious conviction, where the offender believes the act is justified. Not a general term for premeditated crime.
彼は自分の信念に基づいて行動した確信犯だと主張した。
He claimed he was a crime-of-conscience offender who acted on his beliefs.
noun
premeditated crime; knowing wrongdoing
Colloquial misuse that has become widespread: an act done with full awareness that it is wrong or against the rules. Often used for deliberate rule-breaking rather than legal premeditation. Originally considered incorrect, but now common in everyday speech.
スピード違反は確信犯だ。
Speeding is a deliberate violation.
彼の遅刻は確信犯で、注意しても直らない。
His lateness is intentional; he doesn't stop even when warned.