Which term describes a person bringing a lawsuit?

The term that accurately describes a person bringing a lawsuit is "litigant." In the context of legal proceedings, a litigant refers to either party involved in a legal dispute, specifically the party that initiates the action in court. This is a broad term that encompasses individuals or entities engaged in litigation, meaning it applies consistently throughout the legal process, regardless of the specific role they take in the case.

In contrast, other terms mentioned have different meanings. A petitioner is someone who formally presents a petition in a legal proceeding, commonly used in matters like family law or when seeking a writ. A defendant is the individual or entity being accused or sued in the case, representing the opposite side of the litigant in a lawsuit. An appellant refers to a party that appeals a decision made by a lower court, engaging in a separate legal action aimed at overturning that decision. Thus, "litigant" is the most fitting and encompassing term for someone bringing a lawsuit.