What does a "defendant" refer to in legal terminology?

The term "defendant" refers specifically to the individual or entity being accused in a legal proceeding. This person is typically involved in a civil or criminal case where they are responding to allegations made against them. In a criminal case, the defendant is the person facing charges brought by the government, while in a civil case, the defendant is the party being sued by another party, known as the plaintiff. Understanding the role of the defendant is crucial in grasping the structure of judicial processes, as it establishes the dynamics of accusations and defenses in legal disputes.

The other roles, such as the party initiating the lawsuit or the judge ruling on a case, represent different functions in the legal system, which are distinct from that of the defendant. The legal representative is also important but serves as an advocate for either party, rather than being the party itself facing the charges or legal actions.