<Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> A lawsuit (or suit in law) is "a vernacular term for a suit, action, or cause instituted or depending between two private persons in the courts of law ." The term refers to any proceeding by a party or parties against another in a court of law . </P> <P> Sometimes, the term "lawsuit" is in reference to a civil action brought in a court of law in which a plaintiff, a party who claims to have incurred loss as a result of a defendant's actions, demands a legal or equitable remedy . The defendant is required to respond to the plaintiff's complaint . If the plaintiff is successful, judgment is in the plaintiff's favor, and a variety of court orders may be issued to enforce a right, award damages, or impose a temporary or permanent injunction to prevent an act or compel an act . A declaratory judgment may be issued to prevent future legal disputes . </P> <P> A lawsuit may involve dispute resolution of private law issues between individuals, business entities or non-profit organizations . A lawsuit may also enable the state to be treated as if it were a private party in a civil case, as plaintiff, or defendant regarding an injury, or may provide the state with a civil cause of action to enforce certain laws . </P>

What term would be used for persons who are being sued in a civil case