In legal terms, who is referred to as the 'actor'?

In legal terminology, the 'actor' refers specifically to the person whose criminal responsibility is being evaluated. This typically means the individual who is alleged to have committed the crime in question. Understanding this definition is crucial as it helps clarify the dynamics within a legal case, particularly in distinguishing between roles such as the defendant, prosecutor, and victim.

In this context, the individual being scrutinized—often referred to in legal discussions as the 'defendant'—is the focus of the court's examination regarding intent, actions, and consequence. Recognizing the actor ensures that discussions about criminal liability are centered on the person whose behavior is alleged to have breached the law, which is essential for making determinations about guilt or innocence.