California Private Investigator Practice Exam

Who is a person or business whom a claim is brought against?

1. Plaintiff

2. Defendant

3. Appellant

4. Witness

The correct answer is: Defendant

In legal terminology, the term "defendant" refers to the individual or entity against whom a claim or lawsuit is initiated. This means the defendant is the party being accused of wrongdoing or being held liable for some form of harm or legal complaint. In a court case, the defendant must respond to the case brought by the plaintiff, essentially contesting the claims made against them. In contrast, the plaintiff is the party that brings the lawsuit; the appellant refers to a party who appeals a court decision, typically seeking a higher court’s review of a lower court's ruling, and a witness is someone who provides testimony about what they know regarding the facts of a case. Understanding the roles of these parties is essential for navigating the legal system, as it helps clarify who is responsible for defending against the allegations and who is responsible for presenting the claims.