Legal cases can be complex and involve various parties with distinct roles. Many television shows focus on the professionals, leaving the plaintiff and defendant as minor footnotes. However, when everything is over, those are the people experiencing the long-term effects of the case.
The plaintiff and defendant's responsibilities vary at each stage of a case. There are also differences based on whether the proceedings are civil or criminal in nature. Understanding these differences lends precious context to the actions and decisions taken by both sides throughout the legal process.
The Defendant and Plaintiff Defined
The exact terminology may change depending on the situation, but it's usually apparent who the plaintiff and defendant are.
Who is the Plaintiff?
The plaintiff is the party that's lodging a complaint. In other words, whoever alleges wrongdoing and brings the case to court is considered the plaintiff. This role is typically fulfilled by an individual citizen or a class representative in civil cases.
In criminal cases, "The People" are the plaintiff. When someone breaks the law, their crime infringes upon society's safety rather than a specific person. "The People" are represented by a prosecutor from the government Attorney's office.
Who is the Defendant?
The defendant is whoever is being accused of a crime or sued for civil grievance. In civil cases, they face punitive punishments such as civil penalties (fines) and volunteer service. Defendants have much more to lose in criminal trials, with imprisonment and even the death penalty on the line.
Plaintiff vs Defendant Roles and Responsibilities
Plaintiffs and defendants affect the case in different ways. Anyone entering legal proceedings should understand their rights and responsibilities throughout the case. That knowledge allows them to stay informed and intelligently involved in the process.
Responsibilities of the Plaintiff
The plaintiff is responsible for kickstarting the case. They must submit a written statement to the court called a pleading, sometimes called a petition. Pleadings contain the legal claims, allegations, arguments, and evidence pertaining to the case.
After providing the initial background and context, plaintiffs and defendants share many of the same duties. Common actions include locating witnesses, participating in settlement negotiations, and aiding legal research.
One of the most definitive rights separating plaintiffs and defendants is the right to demand damages or relief. This frequently constitutes a request for financial compensation but may also be injunctive relief such as a restraining order.
Responsibilities of the Defendant
Rather than a responsibility, the defendant has a right to defend themselves according to the law. When the plaintiff submits a pleading, the defendant must decide whether or not to plead guilty. In criminal trials, a defendant may enter a plea bargain with the prosecution for a reduced sentence.
Defendants have a right to appear in court to protect their interests better. This right may be knowingly and voluntarily waived. Judges may also interpret a defendant's absence after the trial has begun similarly.
Many constitutional rights were created to protect the defendant's liberty, property, and safety. These include the right to due process, the right to a jury trial, and the right to confront witnesses. However, some rights only apply during criminal trials.
For example, defendants in criminal cases have the right to an attorney. The government must assign one to the case if they cannot afford to hire an attorney. This isn't the case in civil processes. If the defendant cannot afford an attorney, they must represent themselves (pro se).
Additionally, civil defendants don't benefit from the presumption of innocence. This is the ideological backing that a person is innocent until proven guilty. The absence of this presumption means that defendants are largely unprotected from the upfront financial costs and invasions of privacy that come with civil litigation.
What is the Burden of Proof?
The burden of proof is a core concept in deciding a legal case. It determines which party is responsible for producing the evidence that proves the other side's guilt. Both civil and criminal cases lay the burden of proof on the plaintiff or prosecutor.
Different Standards of Proof
Criminal cases demand a standard known as "beyond a reasonable doubt." Put simply, this means that the prosecution must eliminate any other reasonable explanation that the evidence can support.
However, civil plaintiffs don't need to meet the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt. Instead, these cases follow the "preponderance of evidence."
The preponderance of evidence requires the plaintiff to demonstrate that it is "more likely than not" that their complaint is genuine. It is a lower standard of proof applied to civil cases because the associated punishments are far less likely to infringe on the defendant's life and liberty.
Trial Procedures
The justice system operates on the combined efforts of multiple parties. In most situations, the legal professionals handle the technical details while the defendant and plaintiff provide supporting perspectives.
The general steps for civil lawsuits and criminal trials include:
Initiation of the Lawsuit & Pleadings
The plaintiff initiates the legal process by filing a complaint, outlining the claims against the defendant and the desired relief. The complaint is delivered to the defendant, who files an Answer form with the court. This process must be completed within 30 days of being served.
The Discovery Process
This step includes both the defendant and plaintiff's preparation for trial. Both parties exchange information regarding the evidence and potential witnesses. The process is meant to deter "Trials by ambush," one-sided attacks one side hasn't had appropriate time to answer.
Pretrial Motions
Before the trial, either party may file pretrial motions. These motions may include a motion to dismiss the case or a motion to suppress specific pieces of evidence. Pretrial motions allow attorneys to challenge evidence and exploit weaknesses found in the discovery process.
Presentation of the Cases
Each side makes their opening statements to the jury and judge. Following these remarks, the plaintiff's team acts first, calling witnesses, introducing evidence, and arguing their claims. Then, it's the defendant's team's opportunity to cross-examine and respond.
Once all the evidence is exhausted and rebuttals are complete, attorneys for both parties deliver closing arguments. They summarize the evidence, highlight key points, and make final claims.
Deliberation & Verdict
If neither side has waived their right to trial by jury, resulting in a bench trial before a judge, the jurors are escorted to the deliberation room. These meetings can span multiple days and must come to a unanimous decision in criminal cases. Civil cases only require a majority agreement.
Upon hearing the jury's decision, the judge assigns an appropriate sentence. Although there is some leeway in the severity of punishments, most jurisdictions impose sentencing minimums for certain crimes.
Either party may appeal the judgment in post-trial motions, challenging legal errors or signs of abuse that may have affected the outcome. Successful appeals can overturn a verdict by having the case retried at a higher court.
Conclusion
Participating in a legal battle requires a baseline understanding of the many people contributing to the courtroom. While they often take a backseat to their more active representation, the plaintiff and defendants still play a large part in the trial's results.
Plaintiffs are responsible for bringing the case to trial and outlining their desired results. Defendants must respond and provide evidence refuting the former's claims. Both must actively assist their legal representation in connecting with the right witnesses and explaining their situations.
Legal professionals take their client's input and guide them through the litigation process. Their expertise ensures a balanced and fair presentation of the facts to the court.
