gärningspersoners

Gärningspersoner is a Swedish term used to refer to the person or persons who commit a crime or wrongdoing. In criminal law, journalism, and official statements, a gärningsperson is considered the actor responsible for the illegal act, regardless of motive or outcome. The term is neutral and widely used in factual reporting, and it can apply to both adults and juveniles within appropriate legal contexts. When several individuals participate, each is identified as a gärningsperson, and the group may be described as gärningspersoner or, in compounds, medgärningspersoner (co-perpetrators) or medgärningsmän.

In texts discussing crimes, the possessive form gärningspersoners is used to attribute actions, motives, or consequences to the offenders, for example "gärningspersoners planer" or "gärningspersoners motiv." The expression contrasts with terms used at different stages of proceedings, such as den andra parten eller den åtalade, depending on whether the discussion concerns the charge, the trial, or the judgment.

Gärningspersoner is also used in criminological and sociological research to distinguish perpetrators from victims and witnesses, and to analyze responsibility, intent, and the dynamics of group crimes. The concept often intersects with discussions on evidence, cooperation among offenders, and accountability. Historical usage shows variations, including older forms such as gärningsman; modern Swedish generally adopts gender-neutral gärningsperson och pluralformer like gärningspersoner, to reflect contemporary language practices.