epäillinen

Epäillinen is a Finnish word that translates to "suspect" in English. It is commonly used in legal contexts to refer to an individual who is believed to have committed a crime or offense. The term can be applied to a person who is under investigation by law enforcement authorities. A suspect may or may not have been formally charged with a crime. The legal status of an epäillinen is distinct from that of a guilty person, as the presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in many legal systems.

In the Finnish legal system, an epäillinen has certain rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. The term can also be used in a broader sense outside of legal proceedings to describe someone who is viewed with suspicion or distrust, even if no criminal activity is implied. This general usage reflects a common human tendency to be wary of the unknown or the potentially problematic. The context in which the word is used typically clarifies whether it refers to a legal suspect or a more general sense of suspicion.