Complainant vs. Plaintiff: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A complainant is a person who makes a formal accusation or grievance, while a plaintiff is a person who brings a lawsuit in a court of law.
Key Differences
A complainant refers to an individual or entity that lodges a formal complaint, often in a non-judicial setting. Conversely, a plaintiff is specifically involved in initiating a lawsuit within the judicial system.
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Nov 22, 2023
Complainants are found in various contexts, such as workplace grievances, police reports, or administrative complaints. Plaintiffs, however, are always part of a legal process, seeking redress or enforcement through a court.
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Nov 22, 2023
The role of a complainant is to express dissatisfaction or allege wrongdoing in various situations. In contrast, a plaintiff actively engages in legal proceedings by filing a case against a defendant.
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Nov 22, 2023
Complainants may not necessarily seek legal resolution; their goal could be mediation, investigation, or policy enforcement. Plaintiffs, on the other hand, are seeking a legal judgment or settlement in their favor.
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Nov 22, 2023
While complainants are associated with broader contexts, plaintiffs are exclusively linked to civil legal actions, pursuing claims such as damages, restitution, or specific performance.
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Nov 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Objective
Lodging complaints or grievances
Initiating legal actions for redress
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Legal Involvement
May or may not involve legal proceedings
Always involves legal proceedings
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Types of Situations
Workplace issues, administrative complaints
Civil lawsuits, legal claims
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Goal
Seeking resolution, investigation, or mediation
Seeking legal judgment or compensation
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Complainant and Plaintiff Definitions
Complainant
A participant in a dispute resolution process outside of court.
The complainant opted for mediation to resolve the conflict.
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Nov 22, 2023
Plaintiff
A party seeking legal redress or enforcement through court action.
The plaintiff filed a personal injury claim.
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Nov 22, 2023
Complainant
A person expressing dissatisfaction or grievance in a formal setting.
As a complainant, she sought an investigation into the workplace issue.
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Nov 22, 2023
Plaintiff
A person who brings a case against another in a court of law.
The plaintiff sued for breach of contract.
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Nov 22, 2023
Complainant
Someone who alleges wrongdoing or unfair treatment.
The complainant in the dispute claimed unfair dismissal.
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Nov 22, 2023
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Plaintiff
An individual initiating legal proceedings in a civil lawsuit.
The plaintiff in the lawsuit sought damages for negligence.
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Nov 22, 2023
Complainant
An individual who makes a formal accusation or complaint.
The complainant reported the incident to the human resources department.
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Nov 22, 2023
Plaintiff
Someone involved in litigation as the accusing party.
The plaintiff's lawyer presented the case effectively.
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Nov 22, 2023
Complainant
A party bringing forth a complaint in an administrative or non-judicial context.
The complainant filed a complaint with the consumer protection agency.
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Nov 22, 2023
Plaintiff
A litigant seeking compensation, restitution, or specific performance.
The plaintiff demanded compensation for the financial losses incurred.
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Nov 22, 2023
Plaintiff
A party bringing a suit in civil law against a defendant; accuser.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complainant
A person who files a formal accusation or brings a formal charge.
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Oct 19, 2023
Plaintiff
One who commences a personal action or suit to obtain a remedy for an injury to his rights; - opposed to defendant.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complainant
(legal) The party that brings a civil lawsuit against another; the plaintiff.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complainant
(legal) An alleged victim in a criminal investigation or trial.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complainant
One who commences a legal process by a complaint.
He shall forfeit one moiety to the use of the town, and the other moiety to the use of the complainant.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What defines a complainant?
A complainant is someone who formally expresses a grievance or accusation.
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Nov 22, 2023
What is the role of a plaintiff?
A plaintiff initiates a lawsuit in a court of law to seek legal redress.
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Nov 22, 2023
Are complainants always individuals?
Complainants can be individuals or entities, such as organizations.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can a plaintiff seek non-monetary outcomes?
Yes, a plaintiff can seek non-monetary outcomes like injunctions or specific actions.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is a plaintiff's claim always about financial compensation?
No, plaintiffs can seek various outcomes, including injunctions, declarations, or specific performance.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can a complainant be part of a legal case?
Yes, a complainant can be part of a legal case but is not limited to judicial contexts.
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Nov 22, 2023
What is the goal of a plaintiff in court?
The goal of a plaintiff is to obtain a legal judgment or settlement in their favor.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is a plaintiff always involved in a lawsuit?
Yes, a plaintiff is specifically someone who brings a lawsuit in court.
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Nov 22, 2023
What kinds of issues might a complainant raise?
Complainants can raise issues like workplace grievances, policy violations, or consumer complaints.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can a complainant become a plaintiff?
Yes, a complainant can become a plaintiff if they decide to pursue legal action in court.
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Nov 22, 2023
What motivates a complainant to make a complaint?
Complainants are motivated by grievances, perceived injustices, or policy violations.
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Nov 22, 2023
Do all complaints by complainants lead to legal actions?
No, not all complaints result in legal actions; some are resolved outside of court.
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Nov 22, 2023
What types of cases involve plaintiffs?
Plaintiffs are involved in civil cases like contract disputes, personal injury claims, or property lawsuits.
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Nov 22, 2023
What is the first step for a complainant with a grievance?
The first step is often filing a formal complaint with the relevant authority or organization.
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Nov 22, 2023
Are plaintiffs involved in enforcement actions?
Yes, plaintiffs can be involved in enforcement actions, seeking to enforce legal rights or agreements.
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Nov 22, 2023
Do complainants always seek legal intervention?
No, complainants may seek solutions like mediation, policy enforcement, or investigations.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can a plaintiff represent themselves in court?
Yes, plaintiffs can represent themselves, although legal representation is common.
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Nov 22, 2023
How do complainants resolve disputes?
Complainants may resolve disputes through internal processes, mediation, or regulatory bodies.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can organizations be plaintiffs?
Yes, organizations, like individuals, can be plaintiffs in legal actions.
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Nov 22, 2023
Are plaintiffs part of criminal cases?
No, plaintiffs are specific to civil cases, while the prosecution represents the state in criminal cases.
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Nov 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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