In civil cases, who is the claimant?

In civil cases, the claimant is the person seeking compensation or redress for the harm they believe they have suffered due to the actions or negligence of another party. This individual initiates the legal proceedings in order to assert their rights and demand a remedy, which often takes the form of monetary compensation for damages or specific performance.

In contrast, the person accused of wrongdoing is known as the defendant, who is required to respond to the claimant’s allegations. The jury, when present, serves the role of fact-finder, evaluating evidence and making determinations about the case based on that evidence. The judge oversees the proceedings to ensure that the law is applied correctly and fairly during the trial. Each of these roles is vital in the judicial process, but the claimant specifically represents the party seeking a legal remedy in a civil case.