NAMED PLAINTIFF Meaning and
Definition
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The term "named plaintiff" refers to an individual or entity who is specifically identified and listed by name as the primary plaintiff in a legal action or lawsuit. In a lawsuit, there may be multiple plaintiffs, but the named plaintiff is considered the main or lead plaintiff representing the interests of the entire group. The named plaintiff initiates the legal proceedings by filing the complaint or petition against the defendant, outlining the alleged grievances and seeking damages or other forms of legal relief.
The role of the named plaintiff is crucial as they act as the spokesperson and representative for all other individuals or entities involved in the lawsuit. They bear the responsibility of presenting evidence, making arguments, and advocating for the interests of the collective group they represent. The named plaintiff is often assisted by legal representation who helps them navigate the complexities of the legal process.
In class-action lawsuits, the named plaintiff is typically one individual chosen to represent a larger group of individuals who have suffered similar harm or have common claims against the defendant. The named plaintiff must meet certain criteria to ensure their ability to adequately represent the entire class. Their actions and decisions can impact the entire group involved in the lawsuit, and any judgment or settlement reached in the case will affect all members of the represented class.
Etymology of NAMED PLAINTIFF
The etymology of the word "named" can be traced back to the Middle English word "namen", which signifies "to give a name to" or "to designate". It is derived from the Old English word "namian" or "neman", meaning "to name" or "to call". In Old English, the word "namian" was formed from the Proto-Germanic root "namōną", which also gave rise to the Dutch word "noemen" and the German word "nennen".
The term "plaintiff" has a different origin. It comes from the Late Latin word "plangere", meaning "to lament" or "to complain". In Roman law, "plangere" was used to refer to someone who lodged an accusation or filed a complaint.
