Defendants: meaning, definitions and examples
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defendants
[dɪˈfɛndənts ]
Definition
legal
Persons, companies, or organizations against whom a legal action is brought.
Synonyms
accused, litigants, respondents.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defendants |
Primarily used in legal contexts, specifically in criminal and civil cases, to refer to individuals being charged or sued. It does not carry a negative connotation by itself but is a formal legal term.
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| accused |
Used mainly in criminal cases to refer to someone who has been charged with a crime but has not yet been tried in court. This term can carry a negative connotation as it implies a suspicion of wrongdoing.
|
| respondents |
Commonly used in civil cases or surveys to refer to individuals who respond to declarations or petitions made against them. It can also be used in the context of polls and research, referring to people who provide answers or feedback.
|
| litigants |
Refers to the parties involved in a lawsuit, both the plaintiff and the defendant, in civil and legal disputes. It is a neutral legal term that can be used in general legal discussions.
|
Examples of usage
- The defendants in the case were found guilty of fraud.
- The defendants claimed they were not aware of the consequences of their actions.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from Middle French 'defendant', which means 'to defend' or 'to protect'.
- It has roots in the Latin word 'defendere', which translates to 'ward off' or 'protect'.
- The term has evolved over centuries to represent those legally contesting accusations against them.
Law
- In a trial, defendants have the right to a fair trial as guaranteed by most legal systems, reflecting a fundamental human right.
- They can present evidence, call witnesses, and have legal representation to support their case against accusations.
- The presumption of innocence is a core principle, meaning defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Cultural Representations
- Media often portrays defendants as complex characters, highlighting their backgrounds and struggles in dramatic courtroom scenes.
- In literature, defendants can symbolize broader themes of justice, morality, and societal flaws, reflecting the human condition.
- Popular TV shows and films often create narratives around defendants that dramatize the psychological impact of facing legal challenges.
Psychology
- The stress of being a defendant can lead to anxiety, impacting mental health and decision-making during trials.
- Research indicates that the perception of fairness in the judicial process can affect how defendants cope with their situations.
- Support systems play a crucial role in the mental health of defendants, helping them navigate the emotional challenges they face.
International Perspectives
- Legal definitions and rights for defendants can vary significantly across countries, influenced by cultural and legal traditions.
- In some cultures, community support is integral to helping defendants navigate the legal system, reflecting collective values.
- International human rights treaties emphasize the importance of protecting defendants’ rights, aiming for fairness and justice globally.
Translations
Translations of the word "defendants" in other languages:
🇵🇹 réus
🇮🇳 प्रतिवादी
🇩🇪 Angeklagte
🇮🇩 terdakwa
🇺🇦 підсудні
🇵🇱 oskarżeni
🇯🇵 被告
🇫🇷 défendeurs
🇪🇸 demandados
🇹🇷 sanıklar
🇰🇷 피고인
🇸🇦 المدعى عليهم
🇨🇿 obžalovaní
🇸🇰 obžalovaní
🇨🇳 被告
🇸🇮 obtoženi
🇮🇸 saksóknarar
🇰🇿 айыпталушылар
🇬🇪 ბრალდებულები
🇦🇿 təqsirləndirilənlər
🇲🇽 demandados