Who is defined as the person who files or initiates a lawsuit?

The person who files or initiates a lawsuit is referred to as the plaintiff. In legal terms, the plaintiff is the individual or party who brings a complaint to a court, seeking a legal remedy or resolution to a dispute. This role is crucial in the legal process, as the plaintiff outlines the allegations against another party (the defendant) and requests the court to adjudicate the matter.

The plaintiff is responsible for presenting evidence and arguments to support their claims during the litigation process. Understanding the role of the plaintiff is essential for grasping how civil lawsuits operate, as they are the ones who bear the burden of proof in demonstrating their case to the court.

In contrast, the defendant is the individual or entity being accused or sued in a legal action, while the judge presides over the proceedings to ensure fairness and adherence to the law. A witness is someone who provides testimony or evidence relevant to the case but does not directly initiate the lawsuit.