North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Who is defined as "a person against whom there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed"?

1. Suspect

2. Accused

3. Victim

4. Defendant

The correct answer is: Victim

In the context of criminal law, the term that best fits the definition "a person against whom there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed" is typically "suspect." This term refers to an individual who law enforcement authorities believe may have committed a crime based on existing evidence or circumstances. Understanding why "suspect" is appropriate hinges on recognizing the stages of the criminal justice process. When law enforcement develops probable cause, it specifically refers to the threshold required to justify the suspicion that an individual may have engaged in criminal behavior. This is a crucial step before any formal charges are brought against someone. On the other hand, while "accused" could refer to someone who has been formally charged with a crime, it does not capture the preliminary understanding of probable cause prior to charges being filed. Similarly, the term "defendant" denotes a person who is formally charged and is now responding to those charges in court, indicating a further progression in the legal process. Lastly, a "victim" is someone who has suffered harm as a result of a crime and does not fit the definition provided. In summary, the correct term that matches the description regarding probable cause is "suspect," as it identifies someone who is under investigation but has