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What is the difference between complaint and defendant?

complaint | defendant |

In context|legal|lang=en terms the difference between complaint and defendant

is that complaint is (legal) in criminal law, the preliminary charge or accusation made by one person against another to the appropriate court or officer, usually a magistrate
however, court proceedings, such as a trial, cannot be instituted until an indictment or information has been handed down against the defendant while defendant is (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.

As nouns the difference between complaint and defendant

is that complaint is a grievance, problem, difficulty, or concern; the act of complaining while defendant is (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.

As a adjective defendant is

serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive.

complaint

Noun

(en noun)
  • A grievance, problem, difficulty, or concern; the act of complaining.
  • I have no complaints about the quality of his work, but I don't enjoy his company.
  • (legal) In a civil action, the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim is based;
    The purpose is to give notice to the adversary of the nature and basis of the claim asserted.
  • (legal) In criminal law, the preliminary charge or accusation made by one person against another to the appropriate court or officer, usually a magistrate.
    However, court proceedings, such as a trial, cannot be instituted until an indictment or information has been handed down against the defendant.
  • A consumer complaint.
  • A bodily disorder or disease; the symptom of such a disorder.
  • Don't come too close, I've got this nasty complaint .

    Anagrams

    *

    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

    Adjective

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