Who is typically referred to as the accused in a criminal case?

In a criminal case, the term "accused" specifically refers to a person charged with a criminal offense. This individual is the focus of the legal proceedings as they are alleged to have committed a crime. The legal framework recognizes the accused's rights and presumes their innocence until proven guilty.

The accused stands in opposition to the prosecution, which represents the state or government bringing the charges. This distinction is crucial in the judicial system, as it upholds the principle of due process and ensures that the accused has the opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations.

Other roles, such as the victim of the crime, the judge, and the defense attorney, have different functions within the judicial process. The victim is the person who has suffered harm due to the alleged crime, the judge oversees the case and makes rulings on legal matters, and the defense attorney represents the accused in order to advocate for their rights and provide a defense against the charges. None of these roles fit the definition of the "accused" as clearly as a person charged with a criminal offense does.