Which entity is usually identified as the defendant in a lawsuit?

In a lawsuit, the defendant is the party who is being accused or sued by another party, known as the plaintiff. The role of the defendant is to respond to the allegations made against them in court. This response can include denying the claims, providing a defense, or even asserting counterclaims against the plaintiff. The defendant has the right to present their case, defend against the accusations, and seek legal recourse if warranted.

In contrast, the plaintiff is the entity that initiates the lawsuit by filing a complaint, which is not the role of the defendant. The party conducting an investigation or representing the government is equally not the focus of this particular legal scenario regarding the defendant, as their roles do not involve responding to allegations in the context of a specific lawsuit. Thus, identifying the defendant as the party responding to the lawsuit accurately reflects their role within the legal proceedings.