Concealment

Concealment is a technical expression in the criminal law of both England and Scotland; as in concealment of pregnancy and birth, concealing treasure-trove, concealing ore from a mine, concealment by a seller from a purchaser of any instrument material to the title with intent to defraud, &c. The concealment of another's crime may expose to a charge of misprision, or it may amount to a charge of accession after the fact—e.g. where the body of a murdered person is concealed. In bankruptcy, concealment of debtor's property is a serious offence. In civil transactions, but especially in particular contracts, such as insurance and suretyship, where a high measure of good faith is expected, the concealment of a material fact may often invalidate an obligation.