accusation

An accusation is a claim that a person has committed a wrongdoing or violated a standard of conduct. Accusations can be informal, such as a whispered comment or a public statement, or formal, arising in legal, regulatory, or organizational contexts. The term derives from Latin accusare, meaning to call to account.

In legal settings, an accusation may take the form of a charge, complaint, or indictment. In criminal law the burden of proving guilt lies with the state, and the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty. In civil matters, liability is typically established by a preponderance of the evidence.

Outside formal proceedings, accusations rely on available evidence, credibility of witnesses, and corroboration. They can influence reputations and relationships even before any determination of guilt or responsibility. False accusations can cause harm and may give rise to defamation claims or other remedies.

Responding to accusations often involves investigation, fact-finding, and due process to allow defense and challenge. Organizations may implement procedures to assess allegations of misconduct, harassment, or fraud while protecting the rights of all parties and maintaining safety and trust.

Related topics include allegation, complaint, indictment, trial, and defamation.