Who is the individual that initiates a lawsuit?

The individual who initiates a lawsuit is referred to as the plaintiff. This person or entity brings the case to court by filing a complaint, alleging that they have been wronged or harmed by the actions of another party. The plaintiff seeks a legal remedy, which often involves monetary compensation or specific performance from the defendant, who is the party being accused.

The role of the plaintiff is crucial in the legal process, as they set the foundation for the case and bear the burden of proof to demonstrate their claims to the court. By filing a lawsuit, the plaintiff effectively starts the legal proceedings, challenging the actions or omissions of the defendant.

In contrast, the defendant is the individual or entity being accused and is required to respond to the plaintiff's allegations. The respondent typically refers to a party in a specific legal context, often in administrative law or family law cases, where they respond to a claim rather than initiating it. Litigant is a broader term that encompasses anyone involved in a lawsuit, including both plaintiffs and defendants, but it does not specifically identify the initiator of the lawsuit.