<P> Terminology varies from one jurisdiction to another . For example, Scots law does not use the term "defendant"; the terms "accused" or "panel" are used instead in criminal proceedings, and "defender" in civil proceedings . </P> <P> In a criminal trial, a defendant is a person accused (charged) of committing an offense in a very best waybill (a crime; an act defined as punishable under criminal law). The other party to a criminal trial is usually a public prosecutor, but in some jurisdictions, private prosecutions are allowed . </P> <P> Criminal defendants are often taken into custody by police and brought before a court under an arrest warrant . Criminal defendants are usually obliged to post bail before being released from custody . For serious cases, such as murder, bail is often refused . Defendants must be present at every stage of the proceedings against them . (There is an exception for very minor cases such as traffic offenses in jurisdictions which treat them as crimes .) </P> <P> If more than one person is accused, the people may be referred as "co-defendant" or "co-conspiritor" in British and Common - Law courts . </P>

Who represents the defendant in a criminal trial