In the context of law and courts, each of the following terms carries specific meanings:
Complainant : This is a term used to describe the person who brings a case against another in a court of law. In criminal cases, it is typically the victim or a representative of the state who alleges that a law has been broken.
Convict : This term refers to a person who has been found guilty of a crime by a court of law. It can also be used as a verb meaning to declare someone guilty of a criminal offense after due trial.
Barrister : In many common law jurisdictions, a barrister is a type of lawyer. The primary role of barristers is to represent clients in court, providing specialist legal advice and making a case on their behalf. They typically do not engage directly with clients, which is done by solicitors.
Plea : A plea is a formal statement made by a defendant in court regarding their guilt or innocence in response to the charges against them. The most common types of pleas include 'guilty,' 'not guilty,' and 'no contest.' A plea agreement (also known as a plea bargain) may also occur, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence, thus avoiding a trial.
Understanding these terms is crucial for comprehending procedures in legal settings, especially when dealing with criminal cases, where these roles and actions are often central to the judicial process.