Which of the following best describes a "defendant" in a lawsuit?

A "defendant" in a lawsuit is best described as the person or party being accused or sued. This designation is fundamental to understanding the roles within a legal proceeding. In the context of a lawsuit, the defendant is the individual or entity against whom the legal action is brought. They are typically responding to claims made by the plaintiff, who is the party that initiates the lawsuit.

This definition highlights the adversarial nature of the legal process, where the plaintiff seeks a remedy for an alleged wrong and the defendant has the opportunity to defend against those allegations. Understanding this role is crucial for comprehending legal actions and the structure of court proceedings. The other roles mentioned, such as the plaintiff who brings the case, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, or the judge overseeing the case, refer to different aspects of the legal system and not to the defendant's specific role.