Who typically initiates a civil lawsuit?

• A. The government
• B. A private individual or entity
• C. The judge
• D. The defendant

Answer: (B)

In civil cases, the party who starts the action is the plaintiff—the person or organization seeking relief. This is usually a private individual or private entity such as a person, business, nonprofit, or association. They file a complaint with the court to begin the lawsuit. The defendant is the party being sued and responds to that complaint. The government can bring civil actions in specific enforcement or public-interest situations, but for ordinary civil disputes, the typical initiator is a private individual or entity.