What legal term describes the party that brings a case to court?

The party that initiates a legal action by bringing a case to court is referred to as the claimant. This term is commonly used to denote the individual or entity that asserts a legal right and seeks relief through the judicial system. In civil cases, the claimant is typically the plaintiff, while in some legal systems, the term "claimant" specifically identifies a party seeking to resolve a dispute or claim damages.

In contrast, the accused refers to a party in a criminal case who is charged with a crime, and the defendant carries a similar implication in civil cases, referring to the party being accused or sued. The prosecutor is specific to criminal law and represents the government in prosecuting the accused party. Thus, the use of the term claimant highlights the role of the party actively seeking a remedy or resolution through legal proceedings.