What is meant by a defendant in a legal context?

In a legal context, a defendant refers specifically to a person who has been accused of committing a crime or a wrongdoing in a court of law. This individual is the one who stands trial in response to the allegations made against them, and they have the right to defend themselves against these charges. The role of the defendant is central to legal proceedings, as they engage with the judicial system to either affirm their innocence or argue for leniency in case of guilt. This definition is fundamental to understanding the dynamics of criminal and civil trials, as the defendant is often in opposition to the prosecution or plaintiff, who brings forth the case against them. The other roles mentioned, such as jurors, legal representatives, or victims, pertain to different aspects of the legal process and do not encompass the responsibilities or status of an accused individual in a trial.