Question

A person charged with a criminal offence is called as:

• A. a respondent
• B. a defendant
• C. an accused
• D. a third party

Hint:

To easily remember: a person facing a criminal *charge* is *accused* of that crime. They remain "the accused" until the court delivers a final verdict of guilty or acquitted.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The legal system uses precise terminology to designate parties based on the specific branch of law (civil vs. criminal) and the stage of proceedings.

Step 1: Clarifying terminology for criminal trials.
When an individual is formally blamed, indicted, or charged with committing a penal offense by law enforcement or a grand jury, they are referred to throughout the trial process as the accused.

Step 2: Breaking down alternative courtroom labels.
Let's review the legal contexts for the other terms:
• Respondent (Option A): Used primarily in civil lawsuits, family law cases (like divorce petitions), or appeals to describe the party answering a petition.
• Defendant (Option B): A general term for the party being sued or accused. While a defendant can be criminal, the specific term for someone *charged with an offense* in general syntax is "the accused".
• Third Party (Option D): An outside entity brought into an ongoing lawsuit who was not part of the initial dispute. Thus, the specific legal term for someone facing criminal charges is "an accused", matching Option (C).