Plain-English Definition
The party who responds to a petition. In family law, immigration, or appeals, this is the person on the other side of the case from the petitioner.
Legal Meaning
The party who must respond to a petition filed by the petitioner. The respondent may need to file a response or appear in court to address the petitioner's requests.
Etymology Review
From Latin respondere, meaning “to answer.” A respondent is the party who responds to a petition, appeal, or request.
Do Not Confuse With
- Defendant
Misuse Warning
Being a 'respondent' means someone has asked the court for something that affects you. You have the right to respond, and not responding can result in a default ruling against you.
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.