Civil cases begin when someone decides to sue. The plaintiff is the party who initiates a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint seeking relief from the court.

Plaintiffs bear the initial burden of stating a valid claim and proving it by the applicable standard of proof. They may be individuals, groups, corporations, or government entities acting in a civil capacity. Strategic choices include where to file, whom to name as defendants, and which legal theories to pursue.

Through counsel, plaintiffs conduct discovery, oppose dismissal motions, and present evidence at trial or negotiate settlement. A successful plaintiff obtains a judgment that can be enforced against the defendant’s assets. The plaintiff’s role defines the adversarial structure of civil litigation.

• Party who starts a civil lawsuit
• Bears the burden of proving the claim
• Seeks damages, injunctions, or other relief
• May be a person, entity, or government actor