Which term describes a person formally accused of committing a crime in court?

• A. Arrestee
• B. Defendant
• C. Offender
• D. Insubordinate

Answer: (B)

In criminal court, the person formally charged with a crime is the defendant. This label identifies their role in the judicial process and is used in arraignments, court filings, and during trial—e.g., the defendant pleads not guilty or guilty. An arrestee is someone who has been taken into custody, potentially before charges are filed; not every arrestee becomes a defendant if charges aren’t pursued. Offender is a broad, non-procedural term for someone who commits a crime, and insubordinate describes behavior rather than a formal court status. So the term that correctly describes someone formally accused in court is the defendant.