Plaintiff

/ˈpleɪntɪf/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A party who initiates a lawsuit before a court.
    The plaintiff filed a complaint against the defendant.

Forms

  • plaintiffs

Commentary

In civil cases, the plaintiff is the party who brings the claim; use 'complainant' in some jurisdictions or contexts.

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.

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