Who is referred to as the "plaintiff" in a legal case?

In a legal case, the term "plaintiff" designates the individual or party who initiates the lawsuit. This person brings the case to court to seek a legal remedy for perceived harm or violation of rights. The plaintiff effectively lays the groundwork for the legal proceedings by articulating their grievance and outlining their claims against the defendant, who is the party being accused.

Understanding this role is crucial because it helps clarify the dynamics of a legal battle. The plaintiff seeks justice, and their actions set into motion the legal processes that will be adjudicated by the court. This distinction establishes the adversarial system common in many legal frameworks, where one party asserts a claim and the other defends against it.