Plaintiff: The plaintiff is the party who initiates a lawsuit or legal action against another party, known as the defendant. The plaintiff is the individual or entity that brings a claim or complaint before a court seeking a legal remedy or resolution to a dispute.
Defendant: The defendant is the party against whom a lawsuit or legal action is brought by the plaintiff. The defendant is the individual or entity that is being accused or sued by the plaintiff and must respond to the allegations or claims made against them in court.
Cross-complainant: A cross-complainant is a party who files a cross-complaint in response to a lawsuit or legal action initiated by another party. In other words, a cross-complainant is a defendant who also brings claims against the plaintiff or other defendants in the same case.
Cross-defendant: A cross-defendant is a party who is named as a defendant in a cross-complaint filed by a cross-complainant. In other words, a cross-defendant is a party who is being sued by the original defendant in addition to the plaintiff or other parties involved in the case.