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Criminal Law & Justice vocabulary · Trial & Verdict

Defendant

Meaning in criminal law & justice, with examples

/dɪˈfendənt/nounCore term

In criminal law & justice, defendant means: The person who has been charged with a crime and is being tried in court; in a civil case, the person who is being sued.

In Turkish: sanık, davalı (hukuk davalarında)

How it is used

Standard in court and in law reports: 'the defendant pleaded not guilty', 'the defendant's lawyer', 'co-defendant'. In news reports you also read 'the accused'. Judges address the defendant directly when they pass sentence.

Example sentences

  1. The defendant denied being at the scene.

  2. All three defendants were found guilty of robbery.

  3. The judge asked the defendant to stand while the verdict was read.

Common collocations

  • the defendant pleaded
  • co-defendant
  • acquit the defendant
  • defendant's lawyer
  • suspectA person whom the police believe may have committed a crime but who has not yet been charged or found guilty.
  • trialThe formal process in court in which evidence is presented and a judge or jury decides whether the defendant is guilty of the charges.
  • defence lawyerA lawyer who represents a suspect or defendant, protects their rights and argues their side of the case against the prosecution.
  • verdictThe decision at the end of a trial on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty, especially the decision of a jury.
  • plead guiltyTo tell the court formally that you admit committing the crime you are charged with; 'plead not guilty' means you deny it.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Trial & Verdict

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.