imputati

Imputati is the plural form of the Italian legal term imputato. In Italian criminal procedure, an imputato is a person against whom a formal accusation has been filed by the public prosecutor, indicating that the person will face a trial on specified charges. The status typically follows the investigative phase, and it marks the transition from the period of preliminary investigation to a formal proceeding before a court. In common usage, multiple individuals charged in the same case can be referred to collectively as imputati.

Rights and status: An imputato retains the presumption of innocence and is entitled to a defense. They have the right to be informed of the charges, to be represented by a lawyer, to access and challenge the evidence, to present their own evidence and witnesses, and to participate in hearings. The imputato may be subject to various procedural steps, including preliminary hearings, the examination of witnesses, and, if applicable, the eventual decision by a court.

Outcome: The proceedings can lead to an acquittal if the charges are not proven beyond a reasonable doubt, a conviction with a sentence, or other dispositions provided by law. The term is primarily a procedural designation and does not itself indicate guilt or innocence.

Context and translation: In English-language reporting, imputato is usually translated as “defendant” or “the accused,” depending on the stage of the proceedings. The concept reflects the Italian distinction between a person under formal charges and others involved in a case, such as suspects, witnesses, or victims.