Terms Used In Alabama Code 15-15-1

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.

If a defendant, when arraigned, refuses or neglects to plead or stands mute, the court must cause the plea of not guilty to be entered for him.