süüdistatu

Süüdistatu is a noun in Estonian used to denote a person who has been accused of a crime and is subject to criminal proceedings. The term signals a formal stage in the legal process in which charges have been brought against the individual, as opposed to earlier stages of suspicion or inquiry. In practice, süüdistatu is the status of someone who stands before the court with the prosecution’s indictment or similar formal accusation.

Etymology and usage: süüdistatu is derived from the verb süüdistama, meaning to accuse, with a suffix that forms a noun referring to the person associated with the action. The word is commonly found in legal texts, court documents, and journalism when describing the participant in a case who bears the charges. There is also a closely related adjective form süüdistatud, and a related noun süüdistus meaning the accusation itself.

Relation to other terms: A person may move from being kahtlustatav (suspect) or uuritav (under investigation) to süüdistatu once charges are filed. The status of süüdistatu implies that the case has progressed to the point of formal allegations and court proceedings, though it does not determine guilt or innocence.

Rights and proceedings: As in many legal systems, the accused has rights to defence, to information about the charges, and to access to legal counsel. The presumption of innocence applies until a court renders a guilty verdict.

In sum, süüdistatu is the standard Estonian term for “the accused” in a criminal case, indicating formal charges and participation in court proceedings.