Suspect
/ˈsʌsˌpɛkt/
Definitions
- (n.) A person believed to be involved in a crime or offense under investigation.
The police took the suspect into custody for questioning.
- (adj.) Subject to suspicion or not fully trusted; potentially culpable.
The suspect behavior of the witness raised doubts about their testimony.
Forms
- suspects
- suspected
- suspecting
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, 'suspect' primarily functions as a noun denoting an individual under suspicion in a criminal matter, but it can also be adjectival to describe something or someone considered questionable. Identifying a suspect does not imply guilt but initiates investigative or procedural steps.
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.