What does the term 'plaintiff' refer to?

The term 'plaintiff' refers specifically to the party who initiates a lawsuit. In a legal context, this is the individual or entity that brings a case to court, claiming to have been wronged or harmed in some way and seeking a legal remedy. The plaintiff's role is fundamental to civil litigation, as they set the legal process in motion by filing a complaint against another party, known as the defendant, who is alleged to have committed some form of wrongdoing. Understanding the role of the plaintiff is crucial for anyone studying legal processes, as it defines who is trying to enforce their rights or seek justice through the legal system.