What does the term 'plaintiff' refer to in a legal context?

In a legal context, the term "plaintiff" refers to the party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint in court. This individual or entity is seeking a legal remedy for a perceived wrong or injury caused by another party, known as the defendant. By bringing the lawsuit, the plaintiff is asserting their claims and requesting a formal resolution through the judicial system. Understanding the role of the plaintiff is critical as it defines the dynamic of the case, where the plaintiff bears the burden of proof to establish their claims against the defendant. This distinguishes the plaintiff from other participants in the legal process, such as judges, defendants, or juries, each of whom has distinct roles and responsibilities in a court proceeding.