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Complainant vs Defendant - What's the difference?

complainant | defendant |

In lang=en terms the difference between complainant and defendant

is that complainant is the party that brings a civil lawsuit against another; the plaintiff while defendant is in criminal proceedings, the accused.

As an adjective defendant is

serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive.

complainant

English

Alternative forms

* complainaunt (qualifier)

Noun

(wikipedia complainant) (en noun)
  • (legal) the party that brings a civil lawsuit against another; the plaintiff
  • One who makes complaint.
  • * Collier
    • Eager complainants of the dispute.

    defendant

    English

    (wikipedia defendant)

    Alternative forms

    * defendaunt (obsolete)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (legal) In civil proceedings, the party responding to the complaint; one who is sued and called upon to make satisfaction for a wrong complained of by another.
  • (legal) In criminal proceedings, the accused.

    • Antonyms

    * (in civil proceedings) plaintiff * (in criminal proceedings) prosecutor

    Hypernyms

    * litigant

    Related terms

    * respondent

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive.
  • * Shakespeare
    • With men of courage and with means defendant .
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