80. parties

What Are Parties in Legal Terms?

In law, parties refer to the individuals, groups, or entities directly involved in a legal case, contract, or dispute. The two primary types of parties in litigation are:

1. Plaintiff (or Petitioner) – The person or entity bringing the case to court.

2. Defendant (or Respondent) – The person or entity against whom the case is brought.

Other types of parties include third parties, intervenors, and amici curiae (friends of the court) in legal proceedings. In contract law, parties refer to those who sign and are bound by the agreement.

---

Key Features of Legal Parties

✔ Essential participants in lawsuits, contracts, and negotiations ✔ Can be individuals, corporations, governments, or organizations ✔ Have legal rights, obligations, and responsibilities ✔ May include multiple plaintiffs or defendants in complex cases

---

Examples of Legal Parties in Action

• In a criminal case, the state (prosecution) and the accused (defendant) are the primary parties.

• In a civil lawsuit, the plaintiff sues the defendant for damages or relief.

• In a business contract, two companies sign an agreement, making them the contracting parties.

---

5 Reference Pages for Parties with URLs

1. Legal Information Institute – Party (Legal Definition)

   • URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/party

   • Explanation: Defines legal parties and explains their roles in litigation.

2. Justia – Legal Parties in Civil and Criminal Cases

   • URL: https://www.justia.com/trials-litigation/parties-in-a-lawsuit/

   • Explanation: Discusses different types of parties in lawsuits and their legal standing.

3. FindLaw – Who Are the Parties in a Lawsuit?

   • URL: https://www.findlaw.com/litigation/who-are-the-parties-in-a-lawsuit.html

   • Explanation: Covers plaintiffs, defendants, and third-party involvement in lawsuits.

4. US Courts – Role of Parties in a Legal Case

   • URL: https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/types-cases/civil-cases

   • Explanation: Explains the involvement of different parties in federal civil cases.

5. Wikipedia – Legal Party

   • URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_(law)

   • Explanation: Provides a general overview of legal parties, their classifications, and examples.

---