The meaning of DEFENDANT is a person or group against whom a criminal or civil action is brought : someone who is being sued or accused of committing a crime. How to use defendant in a sentence.

The defendant is accused of a range of crimes, from theft to murder. The judge directed the defendant to remain silent. The defendant sat impassively in the dock while evidence was given against him. A …

In court, the person who gets sued or accused is called a defendant — they have to defend their innocence or reputation. One thing no one wants to be is a defendant: that means someone sued …

In court proceedings, a defendant is a person or object who is the party either accused of committing a crime in criminal prosecution or against whom some type of civil relief is being sought in a civil case.

Nov 10, 2025 · Learn what is a defendant in court, your legal rights, and the essential steps to take in both civil and criminal proceedings...

5 days ago · What's the difference between a plaintiff and defendant? Learn what each role means, who carries the burden of proof, and what to expect if you're considering legal action.

Defendant definition: The party against which an action is brought.

Plaintiff Vs Defendant Mastering Legal Terminology in Modern Business Disputes Table of Contents Introduction Quick Answer Summary What Is Plaintiff Vs Defendant? Why It Matters Key …

In certain types of actions, the defendant is called the respondent. However, the term respondent is usually used to designate the person responding to an appeal.

A defendant is a person, company, or entity who is accused in a court of law or against whom a lawsuit or criminal prosecution has been initiated. They are required to respond to a plaintiff's allegations or …