A "litigant" is a person or entity involved in a legal dispute, typically in a court of law. Litigants can be either the plaintiff, who initiates the lawsuit, or the defendant, who responds to the claims made against them. Their role is crucial in the legal process, as they present evidence and arguments to support their case. In many legal systems, litigants have specific rights and responsibilities, including the right to legal representation. They may also engage in various stages of litigation, such as discovery, where they gather information, and trial, where the case is heard before a judge or jury.