Defendant

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The person, company, or organization that is defending a lawsuit brought by a plaintiff. In Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title I litigation, the defendant is almost always an employer. In ADA Title II litigation, the defendant is a unit of state government. In ADA Title III litigation, the defendant is almost always a place of public accommodation.

Related Articles:
  • Glossary: Appeal
    A request that a higher court review the decision of a lower court. Either the plaintiff or the defendant in a case can appeal the ruling of a lower court.
  • Glossary: Appellant
    The party that files an appeal. Either the plaintiff or the defendant can be an appellant.
  • Glossary: Party
    A term that applies to anyone directly involved in a lawsuit, whether that person is a plaintiff or defendant.
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