In legal context, who is the defendant?

The defendant is defined as the individual or entity being accused in a legal proceeding. This person or organization is responding to allegations made against them in a civil or criminal case. Understanding this role is critical because the defendant has the right to defend themselves against the claims and present their case in court. They are the party facing legal action initiated by the plaintiff, who is the one bringing the lawsuit. This distinction is fundamental in any legal context to understand the flow of a trial and the dynamics between the parties involved.