Which legal terminology is used for cases in common law courts?

In common law courts, the terminology "Plaintiff v Defendant" is used to describe the parties involved in a civil case. The plaintiff is the individual or entity that initiates the lawsuit, claiming that they have suffered harm or injury due to the actions of the defendant. The defendant, on the other hand, is the party being accused of causing that harm and is responsible for responding to the plaintiff's allegations.

This framework establishes the roles of the parties in the legal proceedings, allowing for a clear understanding of who is bringing the case and who is defending against it. In criminal cases, the terminology shifts to "State v Defendant" or "People v Defendant," reflecting the state's role as the party prosecuting the alleged crime on behalf of the public.

The other options presented use alternative terminology that is not the standard in common law civil cases. For instance, "Petitioner v Respondent" is more commonly used in certain contexts, such as administrative law or family law, where one party petitions the court for a specific legal remedy. However, in general civil litigation within common law courts, "Plaintiff v Defendant" is the recognized terminology.