被疑者

• Reading: ひぎしゃ
• Romaji: higisha
• Kanji breakdown: 被 (hi) — subjected to; 疑 (gi) — suspicion; 者 (sha) — person
• Pronunciation: /çi.ɡi.ɕa/

Meaning

Suspect; accused; person under investigation. An individual who is suspected of committing a crime but has not yet been formally charged.

A formal legal term used in criminal procedure. In Japanese law, 被疑者 refers to a person during the investigation phase, before indictment. Once formally charged, the person becomes a 被告人 (defendant). In media reporting, 容疑者 is more commonly used as it is considered less legalistic and more accessible. Understanding the distinction between 被疑者, 容疑者, and 被告人 is important for reading legal documents and news.

Examples

1. 警察は事件から48時間以内に被疑者を特定し、任意同行を求めた。 Police identified the suspect within 48 hours of the incident and requested that they accompany officers voluntarily.
2. 被疑者には弁護士と相談する権利が法律によって保障されている。 Suspects are legally guaranteed the right to consult with a lawyer.
3. 証拠が不十分なため、被疑者は不起訴処分となり釈放された。 Due to insufficient evidence, the suspect was not indicted and was released.

Usage Guide

Context: law, criminal justice, police, legal documents, journalism

Tone: legal, precise

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese legal term: 被 (hi) — to be subjected to; 疑 (gi) — suspicion, doubt; 者 (sha) — person. Literally 'a person who is suspected.' A formal term introduced into Japanese law through the Meiji-era legal codification process, modelled on continental European legal terminology.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji-Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Educated