Complainant
/kəmˈpleɪnənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A party who initiates a lawsuit or legal action by filing a complaint.
The complainant alleged breach of contract in the lawsuit.
- (n.) In criminal law, a person who makes a formal accusation or report of a crime.
The complainant reported the theft to the police.
Forms
- complainants
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term is primarily used in civil litigation contexts to denote the party who brings a claim; in criminal contexts, it refers to the person reporting the offense.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.