Wednesday: Law & Civics

What is the legal term for a person who brings a lawsuit against another?

Hint: This term comes from Old French and Latin roots meaning 'to complain' or 'to bring a case forward… →

In legal terminology, a plaintiff is the person or party who initiates a lawsuit in a court of law.

This individual seeks legal remedy by filing a complaint against another party, known as the defendant, alleging wrongdoing or harm caused by the defendant's actions or negligence.

The plaintiff must present evidence and arguments to support their case and demonstrate how the defendant is liable for the harm claimed. The role of the plaintiff is fundamental to civil law, as it begins the judicial process to resolve disputes and seek justice within the legal system.

Keep Reading