What term refers to the accused and their legal representatives in criminal law?

The term that refers to the accused and their legal representatives in criminal law is "Defendant." In a criminal case, the defendant is the individual who has been charged with a crime. This individual has the right to legal representation and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The defendant's legal representatives, often referred to as defense attorneys, advocate on behalf of the defendant, ensuring their rights are protected and that they receive a fair trial.

Understanding the role of the defendant is crucial in criminal law because it highlights the adversarial nature of the legal system, where the prosecution represents the state or government, and the defendant fights against the charges brought upon them. The term "defense" can refer to the strategy or arguments made by the defendant's legal representatives, but does not encompass the individual accused themselves. The prosecution, on the other hand, represents the state and seeks to prove the defendant's guilt, while the judge oversees the legal proceedings to ensure fairness and adherence to the law.