What is the term for the party who initiates a lawsuit in civil law?

The term for the party who initiates a lawsuit in civil law is "Plaintiff." This is the individual or entity that files a complaint with the court, seeking legal remedy or enforcement of a right. The plaintiff presents their case, providing evidence and arguments to support their claims against the opposing party, known as the defendant, who is being accused of wrongdoing.

In contrast, the defendant is the party who responds to the plaintiff's allegations, while the respondent typically refers to a party in an appellate case or in certain other legal contexts, and litigants are broader terms that encompass all parties involved in a lawsuit, not just those who initiate it. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the roles of the parties involved in civil litigation.