Complainant Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Complainant, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Complainant?

A person who intiates a legal proceeding by filing a case against someone who commits a crime.He is also called the plaintiff or petitioner.

History and Meaning of Complainant

A complainant is a person who initiates a legal action against someone who has allegedly committed a crime or caused them harm. The complainant is sometimes referred to as the plaintiff or petitioner in legal proceedings. The role of the complainant is crucial in the legal system, as their complaint can lead to a criminal trial or civil suit.

The term complainant is derived from the word complaint, which refers to a formal allegation of wrongdoing made to authorities. A complaint must meet certain legal requirements to be considered valid and initiate legal action. Generally, a complaint must include the specific details of the wrongdoing, the parties involved, and the harm caused to the complainant.

Examples of Complainant

  1. John Smith filed a complaint against his former employer for wrongful termination, claiming that he was fired for whistleblowing.
  2. The complainant in a criminal case must testify in court to support the charges against the defendant.
  3. A sexual harassment complainant may choose to file a lawsuit against their harasser.

Legal Terms Similar to Complainant

  1. Plaintiff: A person who brings a civil lawsuit before a court.
  2. Prosecutor: A legal official who brings criminal charges on behalf of the government.
  3. Petitioner: A person who petitions a court or other authority for specific legal action.