Who brings a case against another in court?

In a legal context, the term "plaintiff" refers to the individual or entity that brings a case against another party in court. This party initiates the lawsuit, alleging that they have been harmed or wronged by the actions of the other party, known as the defendant. The plaintiff's role is fundamental in civil litigation, as they are responsible for presenting their case, including any evidence and arguments supporting their claim, before the court.

The other roles mentioned—defendant, appellee, and respondent—serve different functions in the legal process. The defendant is the party being accused or sued, while the appellee is typically the party that responds to an appeal in a higher court, and the respondent may refer to the party responding in specific types of cases, such as family law or administrative proceedings. Each of these roles is crucial within the judicial system, but it is the plaintiff who initiates the legal action, making this distinction significant.