Anklagelse

Anklage (anklagelse) is the formal act of accusing someone of a crime, typically initiated by a public prosecutor. It can refer to the act itself as well as the charges laid in a written document outlining the alleged offenses and the persons implicated. The term is used in several Nordic languages and is closely related to the German Anklage; etymologically, it derives from the verb to accuse and denotes the idea of laying blame before a court.

In criminal proceedings, anklage marks the point at which a case is brought before a court. The prosecutor assesses available evidence and decides whether there is a sufficient basis to proceed. If so, the charges are formally filed with the court, and the accused is informed of the accusations and their legal rights. The case then moves toward trial or a related procedure; in many systems the standard of proof in criminal trials is beyond reasonable doubt. If the evidence is insufficient, the prosecutor may drop the case or the charges may be reduced or dismissed.

The person charged is presumed innocent until proven guilty and has the right to legal counsel, to present a defense, and to appeal verdicts or certain procedural rulings. The term also encompasses pre-trial stages such as investigations and, in some jurisdictions, detention decisions made while anklage is under consideration.

Related concepts include indictment, charge, and accusation. The precise procedures and definitions vary by country and legal tradition, but the core idea is the state’s formal accusation that justifies bringing the defendant to court to determine guilt or innocence.