Defendant

Definition

• The individual or entity that is accused of a crime or is named in a lawsuit.

Synonyms
the accused, defender

Alternate Spellings
law suit, lawsuit, plaintiff

Related Terms and Acronyms

• Abstract of Judgement — Definition,
  • A court document that states how much the loser of a lawsuit owes, and which creates a lien, or a claim on property, when filed with the county recorder where the property is owned.
• Causation — Definition,
  • A method of connecting an entity's conduct with an effect, which in some cases can prove legal liability.
• Contract — Definition,
  • An agreement between two or more parties that can be enforced by law.
• Errors and Omissions Insurance — Definition,
  • Insurance that protects architects, home inspectors and contractors from claims by clients for professional mistakes.
• Injunction — Definition,
  • A court order that prohibits a party from taking a specific course of action.
• Lawsuit — Definition,
  • A suit brought before a court in order to remedy an alleged injustice.
• Malpractice — Definition,
  • Negligent acts done by a professional that causes injury to a plaintiff.
• Plaintiff — Definition,
  • The party who initiates a lawsuit.
• Settlement — Definition,
  • An agreement between the parties of a legal case.
• Specific Performance — Definition,
  • A remedy in a court of equity compelling a defendant to carry out the terms of an agreement or contract. It is available only where the remedy of damages cannot afford adequate relief to the plaintiff.
• Statute of Limitations (SOL) — Acronym,
  • A period of time specified by statute within which an action at law must be brought or else be forfeited.
• Subrogation — Definition,
  • When an insurance company has the right to take legal action against a third party for damages.
• Tort — Definition,
  • An act that causes harm or loss.
• Tort Law — Definition,
  • Civil law or the laws that govern civil lawsuits.
• Tortfeasor — Definition,
  • A party who commits a tort (a civil wrong).