Plaintiff

What is a Plaintiff?

A plaintiff is the individual suing in a court or legal case, typically the injured party. They are the person or party who initiates a lawsuit in a court of law by filing a complaint against one or more defendants, alleging that they have caused harm or violated the plaintiff’s legal rights. 

According to Black’s Law Dictionary, a plaintiff is “the party who brings a suit in a court of law.” As such, the plaintiff is seeking a legal remedy for their grievance, which could include monetary compensation, an injunction, or other court orders to address the harm caused.

Beyond themselves, the decisions in a plaintiff’s case has the power to bring about positive change. The plaintiffs in Brown v. Board of Education, challenged and rectified racial segregation in public schools. However, because they bring the case, which can have a significant impact, the plaintiff has the burden of proof. This means it is the plaintiff’s duty to  establish the facts of the case and demonstrate that the defendant’s actions have caused harm, typically through the presentation of evidence and legal arguments.