What does "defendant" mean in legal terms?

The term "defendant" refers specifically to the individual or entity that is being accused or sued in a court of law. In legal proceedings, the defendant is the party against whom a complaint is filed, making this designation crucial to the legal process. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial and has the right to defend against the allegations presented in the lawsuit.

Understanding this term establishes the framework for various legal interactions, including criminal and civil cases where the defendant may present their case, argue against the charges or claims, and seek to prove their innocence or mitigate damages. This role is fundamentally contrasted with that of the plaintiff or prosecution, who brings the case against the defendant, thereby highlighting the adversarial nature of legal proceedings.

In contrast, the other roles mentioned, such as the initiating party or witness, refer to different functions within the legal system that do not align with the specific responsibilities and definitions tied to a defendant's role in a lawsuit.