Criminal Defendant
/ˈkrɪmɪnəl dɪˈfɛndənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A person formally charged with a criminal offense in a court of law.
The criminal defendant pleaded not guilty during the arraignment.
Forms
- criminal defendant
- criminal defendants
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term specifically refers to the party defending against criminal charges, distinct from civil defendants; clarity is important in differentiating roles in criminal procedure.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.