In legal terms, who is the defendant?

In legal terminology, the defendant is specifically identified as the party charged in a legal action. This means the defendant is the individual or entity against whom a lawsuit has been filed or who is accused in a criminal case. The role of the defendant is central to the judicial process, as they have the right to respond to the charges brought against them and to defend themselves in court.

The other roles in a legal context include the party filing the lawsuit, known as the plaintiff or claimant, and the judge who oversees the proceedings and makes decisions regarding the case. The party appealing the case is typically one of the parties dissatisfied with the court's decision and seeks a higher court to review the ruling. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the responsibilities and positions of each party involved in legal proceedings.