1.
suspect, suspected person
A person suspected of having committed a crime. The standard legal/media term used before charges are filed.
容疑者が逮捕された。
The suspect was arrested.
警察は容疑者の行方を追っている。
The police are tracking the suspect's whereabouts.
容疑者は犯行を否認しており、捜査は難航している。
The suspect is denying the crime, and the investigation is proving difficult.
USAGE: The standard term used in news reports and legal contexts for a person suspected of a crime. Japanese media follows strict terminology conventions depending on the stage of legal proceedings.
LEGAL TERMINOLOGY PROGRESSION:
- 容疑者: suspect (before charges are filed)
- 被疑者: suspect (formal legal term, same stage)
- 被告人: defendant (after charges are filed)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 容疑者を逮捕する: to arrest a suspect
- 容疑者を特定する: to identify a suspect
- 容疑者の身柄を確保する: to take a suspect into custody