
Defendant
Legal Context
Used strictly in legal situations to describe someone being tried or sued.

The court addressed the defendant regarding the lawsuit.
Presumption of Innocence
'Defendant' doesn't mean guilty; it indicates someone's charges are not yet proven.

The defendant maintained their innocence as the trial began.
Neutral Term
The term is neutral and does not imply character judgment.

Legal documents referred to Mr. Smith as the defendant.
Compare with
AccuseAppellantCulpritLawbreakerOffenderPerpetratorRespondentSuspect
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