What term is used for someone convicted of a criminal act in a court of law?

• A. Defendant
• B. Convict
• C. Offender
• D. Criminal

Answer: (D)

The term "criminal" refers to an individual who has been convicted of a criminal act in a court of law. This term carries a connotation of having engaged in behavior that is against the laws of the state or federal government. When a person is tried in court and found guilty, they earn this designation due to their actions that violate legal statutes.

While "offender" can also be used to describe someone who has committed a crime, it is broader and may include individuals who have not been formally convicted. The term "convict" specifically refers to someone who has been found guilty of a crime, but this word is often used in the context of their status within the correctional system post-conviction. "Defendant," on the other hand, refers to an individual who is accused of a crime but has not yet been convicted. Therefore, "criminal" is the most appropriate term to identify someone who has been convicted in a legal context.