Which party in a trial is typically the one who initiates the lawsuit?

The plaintiff is the party in a trial who initiates the lawsuit. This party files a complaint with the court, outlining their grievances and the relief they seek. By taking this step, the plaintiff sets the legal process in motion and establishes the basis for the case.

In the context of a trial, the plaintiff is often seeking compensation for damages or a remedy for a legal wrong they believe has been committed against them. The role of the plaintiff is crucial because they bear the responsibility of proving their claims to the court. This contrasts with the other options: the defendant is the party being accused or sued; the appellee is the party that responds to an appeal, and the appellant is the one who initiates the appeal process in appellate courts. Each of these roles plays a significant part within the judicial system, but it is the plaintiff who starts the lawsuit in the first instance.