What is the legal term for the person who initiates a lawsuit in Arkansas?

The legal term for the person who initiates a lawsuit in Arkansas is "Plaintiff." In a civil case, the plaintiff is the individual or entity that brings a complaint before a court, seeking legal remedy for a perceived wrong. This process usually starts with the plaintiff filing a complaint, which outlines the grounds for the lawsuit and the type of relief sought, such as damages or an injunction.

Understanding the role of the plaintiff is crucial in the legal process, as it sets in motion the court proceedings and defines the parties involved in the case. In contrast, the defendant is the party being accused or sued, while the petitioner and respondent terms are typically used in family law or specific types of cases like appeals, which do not apply in the general scenario of initiating a lawsuit.