Definition

Noun: A person, group, or institution formally accused or sued in a court of law; the party required to answer a plaintiff's or prosecution's complaint.

Usage

The term "defendant" is used exclusively in legal contexts to identify the party against whom a civil lawsuit or a criminal prosecution is brought. It is a formal, neutral term. - In a criminal case, the defendant is the person accused of committing a crime. - In a civil case, the defendant is the person or entity being sued.

Examples

• The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
• The jury found the defendant liable for damages.
• The defendant's lawyer presented a strong alibi.
• All evidence must be presented to the defendant before the trial.

Advanced Usage

• "Co-defendant": A joint defendant; one of two or more persons or entities sued or prosecuted in the same legal action.
  • The two brothers were named as co-defendants in the fraud case.
• The term is often used in contrast to "plaintiff" (in civil cases) or "prosecution" (in criminal cases).

Variants and Related Words

• Defence (UK) / Defense (US) (n): The case presented by or on behalf of the defendant.
• Defensible (adj): Capable of being defended or justified.

Synonyms

• Accused (primarily in criminal contexts)
• Respondent (common in certain civil proceedings, especially appeals)

Antonyms

• Plaintiff (in a civil case)
• Prosecution (in a criminal case)

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "The defendant rests": A formal declaration by the defense lawyer indicating they have finished presenting their case.
  • After calling the final witness, the attorney said, "The defense rests."

Noun

1. a person or institution against whom an action is brought in a court of law; the person being sued or accused