Süüdimõistnud

Süüdimõistnud is an Estonian term meaning “convicted.” It is a past participle of the verb süüdimõista and is used as an adjective to describe a person who has been found guilty by a court of law of a criminal offense. The word appears in legal texts and journalism to indicate that a judgment of guilt has been issued and is enforceable. The related noun is süüdõdimõistmine, referring to the act or state of conviction; a person described as süüdimõistunud is someone who has undergone this judgment.

Legal status and consequences are tied to the conviction. After a conviction, a person may face penalties prescribed by law, such as fines, community service, or imprisonment. The conviction is recorded in the national criminal records register (karistusregister) and can affect rights and opportunities, including eligibility for certain professions, public-sector positions, or licensing. In Estonia, a conviction becomes final when all legal remedies have been exhausted and the judgment is enforceable; until then, it may be subject to appeal or revision.

Usage and context are typically formal and legal. In reporting and official texts, süüdimõistunud describes someone who has received a final finding of guilt. It is used with nouns such as süüdimõistunud isik (the convicted person) or süüdõdimõistmine (the conviction). The term conveys the state resulting from a court decision and does not, by itself, convey any additional determination beyond guilt as established by the judgment.