In civil litigation, what does “defendant” mean?

In civil litigation, the term "defendant" refers to the entity being accused or sued. This is the party against whom the complaint is brought in a court of law. The defendant is responsible for responding to the claims made by the plaintiff, who is the individual or entity that initiated the lawsuit.

The role of the defendant is critical in the judicial process as they have the opportunity to present their side of the story, provide defenses against the allegations, and counter any claims made by the plaintiff. This engagement is essential for a fair judicial process, ensuring that both sides have the ability to be heard and considered by the court.

The other choices describe different roles in the litigation process. For example, the individual who initiates the lawsuit is the plaintiff, while the judge is responsible for overseeing the case and making rulings based on the law. Similarly, the attorney representing the plaintiff is involved in advocating for the plaintiff's interests, not those of the defendant. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the dynamics of civil litigation and the responsibilities of each participant within the legal proceedings.