Who is referred to as the defendant in a legal context?

In a legal context, the term "defendant" refers specifically to the individual or entity that is defending against a claim brought against them. This person or entity finds themselves in a situation where another party, known as the plaintiff or claimant, has initiated legal proceedings against them. The defendant's role is to present their case, provide evidence, and counter the claims made by the plaintiff. This is a fundamental aspect of the adversarial legal system, where both parties have the opportunity to contest the assertions made in court.

The other options describe different roles within the legal system. The plaintiff is the one initiating the claim, while a judge is responsible for overseeing the proceedings, ensuring that the law is applied correctly and fairly. A legal representative for the plaintiff is there to advocate on behalf of the person bringing the lawsuit, but does not take on the role of the defendant. Therefore, option B accurately identifies the defendant's position in legal proceedings.