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Simple English definitions for legal terms
accused
Read a random definition: gabel
A quick definition of accused:
Accused: A person who has been arrested or charged with a crime is called an accused. This means that they are the one who is being accused of doing something wrong. It's like when you get in trouble for breaking a rule at school, you are the accused. In some cases, a person becomes accused when the police arrest them, or when a grand jury decides that there is enough evidence to charge them with a crime.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: "Accused" refers to a person who has been arrested or formally charged with a crime. It is a general term used to describe the defendant in a criminal case.
For example, if someone is arrested for stealing a car, they become the accused in the criminal case. They are the person who is being accused of committing the crime.
In Tennessee, a person is considered accused for the purposes of speedy trial guarantees when:
- An arrest warrant is issued
- A person has been arrested and held to answer a criminal charge
- A grand jury has returned an indictment or presentment charging the person with the commission of a crime
These examples illustrate how a person becomes the accused in a criminal case and how the term is used in legal contexts.