Which term describes a person who initiates a lawsuit?

The term that describes a person who initiates a lawsuit is "plaintiff." In legal terminology, a plaintiff is the individual or party that brings a case against another in a court of law, seeking a legal remedy for a perceived wrong or violation. This could involve various types of disputes, such as contract issues, personal injury claims, or civil rights violations, where the plaintiff seeks enforcement of their rights or compensation for damages.

In contrast, the other terms serve different roles within the legal system. A defendant is the individual or party being sued or accused in a legal proceeding, while an appellee refers to the party who responds to an appeal in a higher court, typically the party who won in the lower court. The term prosecutor relates to criminal cases, referring to a legal representative who brings charges against an accused person on behalf of the state or government.

Understanding these roles is crucial in comprehending the dynamics of legal proceedings and the positions of various parties involved in a lawsuit.