süütamine

Süütamine is Estonian a noun that denotes the act or process of accusing someone of wrongdoing and assigning guilt. It can refer to formal charges in a legal setting as well as informal claims that a person is responsible for a fault or crime. The term is closely related to the verb süüdistama (to accuse) and the noun süüdistus (an accusation or charge).

Etymology and related terms: Süütamine is formed from the root süüd- meaning guilt or fault, combined with the common Estonian nominalizing suffix -amine. Related words include süüdistus (an accusation or indictment), süüdistaja (the prosecutor or accuser), and süüdi (guilty). The word contrasts with terms such as väide (claim or assertion) or tõend (evidence), which are used in different contexts to discuss responsibility or proof.

Legal context: In criminal procedure, süüdistus refers to a formal accusation presented to a court, typically by a prosecutor, outlining the charges against a defendant. The process involves evidence, arguments, and a determination of guilt or innocence. A person can be formally accused (süüdistus), be deemed guilty (süüdi) if found responsible, or be acquitted. The concept is central to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Non-legal usage: Outside the courtroom, süütamine may describe making allegations in media, politics, or personal disputes. Such accusations can be influential but may raise defamation concerns if they lack evidence or are reckless. The term emphasizes attribution of fault rather than verified outcomes.

See also: süüdistus, süüdistaja, süüdistatu, süüdi, süüd.