Who is identified as the "Actor" in a criminal action?

In the context of criminal actions, the term "Actor" refers specifically to the individual who is responsible for committing the criminal act. This identification of the Actor is crucial because it establishes the person who may be held liable for their actions under criminal law. The Actor is directly related to the offense and is the focus of the prosecution's case, as they have engaged in behavior that violates the law.

This concept is foundational in legal discussions about culpability, as it distinguishes between those who are directly involved in committing an offense and those who may be participating in the process in other capacities, such as filing a complaint, providing testimony, or presiding over legal proceedings. Each of the other roles mentioned—such as the person filing the complaint, witnesses providing evidence, or judges who oversee the legal process—play significant roles in the justice system, but they do not bear the responsibility for the criminal act itself. Thus, the clarity of who the Actor is helps ensure that accountability for the crime is appropriately assigned.