Plain-English Definition
The party who starts a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint against someone else.
Legal Meaning
The party who initiates a civil action by filing a complaint. The plaintiff bears the burden of proving their claims and seeking a remedy from the court.
Translation Bridge
In everyday language, the person who 'complains' is just upset. In court, the plaintiff is the person who formally started the case and has the burden of proving their claims.
Etymology Review
From Anglo-French plaintif, related to plainte, meaning complaint. A plaintiff is the complaining or claiming party.
Do Not Confuse With
- Defendant
- Petitioner
Misuse Warning
In criminal cases, the government brings the case, not a 'plaintiff.' The plaintiff is a civil-court concept.
Boundary Note
Lexicon provides general legal and procedural information for educational purposes. It does not provide legal advice, legal representation, legal interpretation for a specific case, strategy, document preparation, or professional judgment. Meanings can vary by jurisdiction, facts, and procedural posture.