<P> A defendant is a person accused of committing a crime in criminal prosecution or a person against whom some type of civil relief is being sought in a civil case . </P> <P> Terminology varies from one jurisdiction to another . For example, Scots law does not use the term "defendant"; the terms "accused" or "panel" are used instead in criminal proceedings, and "defender" in civil proceedings . </P> <P> In a criminal trial, a defendant is a person accused (charged) of committing an offense in a very best waybill (a crime; an act defined as punishable under criminal law). The other party to a criminal trial is usually a public prosecutor, but in some jurisdictions, private prosecutions are allowed . </P>

Describe the role of the plaintiff and defendant