It's a phrase commonly used in the criminal justice system and even the title of a TV show

that aired on True TV.

The only thing more ridiculous than their crimes are their lame excuses.

It was only a counter, maybe a girl put a minute cup.

There's a camera system, I just watched you do it.

See what happens when these bold and brazen feasts.

I might do anything, you said.

Try to outwit store security.

Holy s**t, this door's gonna hit the fire door.

What's going to happen when they steal her butt?

On caught, red handed.

But while the expression caught red handed is now broad enough to cover a shoplifter seized

with a stolen microwave in her hands.

The origin of the expression covers those who are literally caught red handed.

Back in 15th century Scotland, the Scottish acts of parliament of James I,

referred to the punishment of those caught with a reed hand, or in other words,

caught with a hand that was red with the blood of an animal, such as a cow or a sheep

that the person is slaughtered.

With the murder of Sheila Ginsburg, the police claimed that they had caught John Brookings red handed.

Because his fingerprints mixed with Sheila's blood were found in a television remote and phone,

which John claims were the result of him trying to save her life,

turned down the TV, and then call 911 after discovering her daughter Sharon taking her life.

...