Who is referred to as a "litigant"?

A "litigant" is defined as a person who is involved in a lawsuit, either as a plaintiff who brings the suit or as a defendant who responds to it. This terminology encompasses any party engaged in legal proceedings before a court. The essence of being a litigant lies in their participation in the case, which may involve presenting arguments, evidence, or defenses regarding the matter at hand.

The other roles mentioned, such as a person who initiates a complaint, a witness, and a judge, each have specific legal definitions and functions distinct from that of a litigant. A person who initiates a complaint is specifically a plaintiff, while a witness is someone who provides testimony in the case, and a judge is the official who presides over the trial and ensures that legal proceedings are conducted fairly and according to the law. Understanding the broader context of litigation helps clarify why "litigant" applies to any participant in the lawsuit.