Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice Exam 2026 - Free Paralegal Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term that refers to a party accused of a crime is "defendant." In legal terminology, a defendant is an individual or entity formally charged with a criminal offense in a court of law. In a criminal trial, the defendant is the person who must defend against the accusations made by the prosecution.

In contrast, a litigant refers to anyone involved in a lawsuit, which can include both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases, but does not specifically denote the party accused of a crime. The complainant typically refers to the party that brings a complaint or allegation to court, usually in civil matters, as it concerns the person who initiates a legal action. The appellant is a term used for a party who appeals a court decision, challenging the outcome in a higher court, which is not applicable in the context of being accused of a crime.

Therefore, "defendant" is the precise and accurate term for a party accused of a crime.