What term describes a person whose criminal responsibility is in issue in a criminal action?

• A. Suspect
• B. Actor
• C. Defendant
• D. Accused

Answer: (B)

In criminal actions, the person whose criminal responsibility is in issue is the defendant. This label identifies the charged party who stands trial and against whom the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. While “accused” can be used to describe someone charged with a crime, the formal courtroom term is defendant. “Suspect” refers to someone under investigation who hasn’t been charged, and “actor” isn’t a standard legal designation for the person on trial.