“plaintiff”

This page shows official legal definitions of “plaintiff” from courts and ministries of justice in multiple countries. Definitions are listed in order of reading level to help with both basic understanding and deeper context.

Jurisdiction: New Zealand New Zealand

The party making a claim in a civil case.

Source: Glossary of Legal Terms (New Zealand Ministry of Justice)
Jurisdiction: United States United States

A person or business that files a formal complaint with the court.

Source: Glossary of Legal Terms (United States Courts)
Jurisdiction: Ireland Ireland

A person who brings a legal action against another.

Source: Glossary of Legal Terms (The Courts Service of Ireland)
Jurisdiction: United States United States

The party who makes the initial complaint in a lawsuit.

Source: Criminal Glossary (Superior Court of California, County of San Diego)