People might say the word “suspect” when in reality there is a correct word for what they mean, and it’s “subject”. IF you say “the subject” did this or that, there’s no possible way to criticize, spin or misinterpret the meaning. The subject is who you are watching, or talking to or zeroed in on, for a reason. He’s the object of your attention. If he actually becomes a crime suspect, then that usage becomes proper.
People can SAY anything, but it could be an incorrect term for what they really mean.
Just sayin’...there is a correct term. For example, if you’re a security officer that enforces certain rules to secure a facility, you will have your eye out for people who might catch your attention as possible violating a security rule, but not at that point a suspect in any crime. And if you followed training procedure, you would CALL them a subject in verbal communications and ditto when you write up a report.
George called him a suspect because he considered Treyvon a suspect to robberies in his neighborhood....
You’re right, “subject’s” the correct usage if you have no knowledge of a crime being committed and a reasonable suspicion that individual committed it. In the instant case, there’d been an assault, and Zimmerman knew who’d committed it.
In fact, I think what I’d do on cross is offer her a hypothetical of an individual who’d been assaulted and left bruised and bleeding and ask her what she’d call the individual who committed the crime. I think I’d also ask her what the injured party was called.
Didn't GZ say that TM was acting suspiciously. Would that make TM a suspect?
Just wondering - had never thought of the difference between suspect and subject. Thanks for the tip!