Who is referred to as the defendant in civil cases?

In civil cases, the defendant is the individual or entity being accused of wrongdoing, typically in relation to a claim made by the plaintiff, who is the person seeking compensation or redress. The defendant responds to the allegations made against them in court.

This role is crucial within the legal system as it represents the party that must defend against the claims or demands put forth in the lawsuit. In this context, understanding the role of the defendant helps clarify the dynamics of civil litigation, where one party asserts a legal right and seeks a remedy, while the defendant has the opportunity to contest that claim and present their side of the story. This is distinct from other roles in a civil case, such as the plaintiff, judges, and witnesses, each of whom has a separate function in the proceedings.