Accusee

An accusee is the person or entity against whom an accusation is made. This individual or organization is formally charged with wrongdoing, a crime, or a violation of a rule or principle. The term highlights the passive role in the accusation process, emphasizing that the accusee is the recipient of the allegation, not the initiator. Legal contexts, journalistic investigations, and interpersonal disputes frequently involve accusees, whose reputations and freedoms may be at stake. The burden of proof typically rests on the accuser to substantiate the claims made against the accusee. A key concept related to the accusee is the right to a defense.

Accusee meaning with examples

• The defendant, an accusede in the fraud case, maintained their innocence throughout the trial. Evidence was presented that placed a lot of doubt over this claim, though. The prosecution built its case upon financial records and witness testimony.
• Following the media investigation, the company, the accusee in a major environmental pollution scandal, faced severe public backlash and lawsuits. Regulatory bodies levied heavy fines against the organization in question.
• During the labor dispute, the union designated the company's CEO as the accusee in a complaint related to unfair labor practices, triggering a series of negotiations that eventually led to a work stoppage.
• In a libel case, the author was named the accusee by a prominent politician, arguing their book contained malicious falsehoods. The court ultimately decided in the author's favor.
• After the allegations of misconduct, the professor became the accusee in an investigation conducted by the university's ethics board. They were given the opportunity to respond to all of the accusations.