Plaintiff

Definition: The person or entity that initiates a civil lawsuit by asserting a claim against a defendant.

Example

A landlord files a civil action for unpaid rent and is the plaintiff in that case.

Keep the distinction clear

A plaintiff is not the criminal prosecutor. A civil claimant must establish the claim under the applicable law and burden of proof; filing a lawsuit does not establish that the allegation is true.

Related terms

Defendant · Litigation (Lawsuit) · Evidence

Keep studying

Valid, Void, Voidable, and Unenforceable Contracts

References: Cornell LII: plaintiff

Pronunciation (US): PLAYN-tif (capitals show stress)

Pronunciation reference: Merriam-Webster