In legal terms, who typically seeks compensation in court?

In legal terms, the individual or entity that seeks compensation in court is known as the plaintiff. The plaintiff is the party that brings a lawsuit against another party, asserting that they have been harmed in some way and are seeking redress, typically in the form of monetary compensation. This role is fundamental in civil litigation, where the plaintiff is responsible for establishing their case and providing evidence to support their claims.

Understanding the roles in the legal system clarifies why this answer is accurate. The tortfeasor refers to the party that commits the wrongful act leading to the harm, but it is the plaintiff who actively seeks compensation. The defendant, in contrast, is the party being accused or sued and is tasked with defending against the plaintiff's claims. Lastly, the judge is responsible for overseeing the court proceedings and ensuring that justice is administered fairly but does not seek compensation for themselves or any party; rather, they facilitate the legal process. This delineation illustrates the distinct functions of each party involved in legal proceedings, reinforcing the correct identification of the plaintiff as the one who seeks compensation.