''For the 1987 movie starring Cher, see Suspect (movie). See also The Usual Suspects, or S.U.S.P.E.C.T.S rap group for alt. info

In the parlance of criminal justice, a suspect is a person, known or unknown, suspected of committing a crime.

Under the judicial system of U.S., once the identity of a suspect is known, and a decision is approved to arrest him or bind him over for trial, either by a prosecutor issuing an information, a grand jury issuing a true bill or indictment, or a judge issuing an arrest warrant, the suspect can then be properly called a defendant.

Much of the tension in murder mysteries results from there being a number of equally-likely suspects. A device often used in these mysteries is the culprit not being on the original list of suspects.

A popular suspect in murder mysteries and whodunits is the butler.

See also

• Accused

Criminal law | Law enforcement

Tersangka | Verdachte | 被疑者 | Podejrzany | Suspect | Подозреваемый