Which term describes a person bringing a lawsuit?

The term that describes a person bringing a lawsuit is "litigant." In legal terminology, a litigant refers to any party involved in a lawsuit. This includes both the plaintiff, who initiates the lawsuit, and the defendant, who is being sued. The term broadly encompasses anyone engaged in legal proceedings, highlighting their active participation in the litigation process.

While "petitioner" is also used to describe someone who initiates a legal action, it is more specific to cases where a petition is being filed, often in relation to family law or certain civil matters. The term "defendant" specifically refers to the party being sued or accused in a legal dispute. "Appellant" is a person who appeals a court decision, thus it applies to a specific stage in the legal process rather than the initiation of a lawsuit. Therefore, "litigant" is the most accurate and encompassing term for someone bringing a lawsuit.