Quick Summary
A defendant is the person or entity against whom legal action is brought, who must respond to the plaintiff's complaint or the state's criminal charges in court.
A defendant is the person or entity against whom legal action is brought, who must respond to the plaintiff's complaint or the state's criminal charges in court.
Key Characteristics
- Party against whom legal action is taken
- Must respond to the complaint or charges
- Has right to legal representation
Legal Framework
Also called respondent in some proceedings
Key Points
- Party against whom legal action is taken
- Must respond to the complaint or charges
- Has right to legal representation
- Can file counter-claims in civil cases
- Presumed innocent until proven guilty in criminal cases
- Also called respondent in some proceedings