The film is called ‘The Accused’ not ‘The Defendants’

The ‘accused’ is the man or woman charged with a crime. It’s not the defendant. Something I read recently made me realize this distinction. I don’t know etymology of the word ‘defendant’ or why it’s something to be avoided, but I do know the ‘accused’ seems like the more appropriate label.

And the old movie The Accused makes it clear that the word ‘accused’ formerly was more common.

Movie poster for The Accused staring Jodie Foster and Kelly McGillis

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