what is an allegation

An allegation is a claim of an unproven fact by a party in a pleading, charge, or defense, made without giving proof that someone has done something wrong or illegal. Until they can be proved, allegations remain merely assertions. In a legal context, an allegation is a formal claim against someone, which sparks an investigation that leads to someone being proven innocent or found guilty. In a lawsuit, a party puts forth their allegations in a complaint, indictment, or affirmative defense, and then uses evidence at trial to attempt to prove their truth. An allegation is often used in journalism in reports about a person who has been accused of a crime or other wrongdoing but who has not been convicted.