Which term describes a person who initiates a civil action?

• A. Defendant
• B. Judge
• C. Attorney
• D. Plaintiff

Answer: (D)

In civil cases, the person who starts the lawsuit is the plaintiff. They file the complaint with the court to seek a remedy, such as money damages or an injunction, and outline what happened and what they want the court to order. The party being sued is the defendant, the judge oversees the proceedings and makes rulings, and an attorney is the lawyer who represents either side. Even if the plaintiff chooses to represent themselves, they remain the initiator of the civil action.