Who is referred to as a 'defendant'?

A 'defendant' is a term used in legal contexts to refer specifically to an individual who is accused of a crime or is being sued in a civil case. This designation highlights the person's position as someone who must respond to the allegations made against them in a court of law. The procedures that follow involve presenting evidence, arguments, and legal defenses, where the defendant seeks to prove their innocence or mitigate the claims against them.

In contrast, the other roles mentioned do not align with that of a defendant. A witness observes events related to a crime but does not face any accusations themselves. Individuals who provide evidence in court can be witnesses or experts, but they are not accused parties. Lastly, those who offer legal advice are typically called attorneys or lawyers, playing a different role in the legal system focused on guiding clients rather than being the subject of legal proceedings.