defendants

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "defendants" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the people who are accused of a crime in a court of law. For example: The defendants pleaded not guilty in the criminal trial.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The state of Georgia remains an extreme outlier in requiring that defendants prove they have mental retardation 'beyond a reasonable doubt'.

The Guardian

Lawyers acting for murder defendants do not expect to win many popularity contests, but nor, until recently, have they expected to be the subject of personal attacks by the press.

The Guardian

With the defendants this time enclosed in a soundproof cage fitted with a microphone controlled by the judge, Morsi had limited opportunity to question the authority of the court.

The Guardian

The defendants were portrayed as traitors working in the interests of foreign powers, with dozens of Palestinians charged in absentia in the same case.

The Guardian

However, Gardaí intervened and arrested the man following several warnings that he stay away from the defendants.

The Guardian - Business

Gabry said that the initial trial also failed to investigate claims that the defendants had produced testimony under duress, and as a result "the court of cassation is unable to show how right or wrong the verdict is".

The Guardian

There is a group of lawyers and defendants who will be able to testify to this effect.

The Guardian

Training Most of the defendants, whom Babar called the "Crawley lot", visited him there, where they underwent terrorist training in explosives techniques and worked out how to get bomb components and bring them to the UK.

The Guardian

One alleged multiple fraud case at Southwark crown court has already been boycotted by barristers, leaving defendants facing the prospect of representing themselves.

The Guardian

The prospect of the laws being overturned has prompted defence lawyers to seek to delay trials involving defendants who may have already spent months in solitary confinement under harsh prison conditions formerly reserved for accused bikie associates.

The Guardian

Sample footage shot by undercover police of the defendants handling "items and packages passed about and handed to people in the street or pulling up in cars" was then shown to jurors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal proceedings, use "defendants" to refer to the individuals or entities formally accused of a crime or wrongdoing. Ensure that you maintain a neutral tone until a verdict is reached.

Common error

Refrain from using language that presumes guilt or expresses bias against the "defendants" before a legal judgment has been made. Stick to neutral terms and fact-based reporting.

Linguistic Context

The word "defendants" functions as a plural noun, referring to multiple individuals or entities who are accused of a crime or wrongdoing and are subject to legal proceedings. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "defendants" is a plural noun referring to individuals or entities accused of a crime in legal contexts. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various sentences. It is very common, primarily found in news and media, and maintains a neutral register. When writing about legal matters, use "defendants" to accurately refer to the accused while avoiding biased language. Ludwig's AI analysis supports this conclusion, emphasizing the term's accurate and frequent use in legal and journalistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the accused

Focuses specifically on the individuals formally charged with a crime.

the individuals on trial

Specifically pinpoints those undergoing a trial process.

the respondents

Refers to the party answering a petition or appeal in a legal case, often in civil proceedings.

the parties to the suit

Formally identifies those involved in a legal action.

those charged

Emphasizes the act of being officially accused.

the litigants

Broadly describes parties involved in a lawsuit.

the suspects

Highlights individuals under suspicion but not yet formally charged.

the subject of the investigation

Focuses on individuals who are currently under scrutiny but may not have been charged yet.

the perpetrators

Implies those who committed the act in question, often used when guilt is presumed but not proven.

the offenders

Describes individuals who have committed an offense, whether proven or alleged.

FAQs

How should I use "defendants" in a sentence?

Use "defendants" to refer to individuals or entities accused of a crime or wrongdoing in a legal context. For example: "The "defendants" pleaded not guilty to the charges."

What's the difference between "suspects" and "defendants"?

"Suspects" are individuals who are suspected of a crime but have not been formally charged. "Defendants" are those who have been formally accused and are undergoing legal proceedings.

Is it appropriate to use "criminals" instead of "defendants"?

No, it is generally inappropriate to use "criminals" instead of ""defendants"" before a conviction has been secured in court. Using "criminals" presumes guilt, which can be prejudicial.

What are some other terms I can use instead of "defendants"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "the accused", "respondents" (in civil cases), or "litigants" to refer to parties involved in a legal case.