When a defendant files a counter-complaint, what is the defendant referred to as?

When a defendant files a counter-complaint, they become the counter-plaintiff in the context of that particular legal action. A counter-complaint is a response to the original complaint where the defendant asserts their own claims against the plaintiff. By filing this counter-complaint, the defendant is essentially stepping into the role of a plaintiff for the issues raised in the counter-complaint, seeking relief or redress for their own grievances.

This terminology is important in legal proceedings as it clarifies the roles of the parties involved. The original plaintiff maintains that title regarding the initial claims, while the counter-plaintiff takes on the role concerning the new claims made in the counter-complaint. This distinction helps both the court and the involved parties understand who is asserting claims and who is responding.

The other terms in the choices do not accurately describe the role of a defendant when they file a counter-complaint. "Counter-defendant" would imply that the defendant is being accused in a new separate claim, rather than being an active party making claims. "Movant" typically refers to a party making a motion to the court, which is not specific to counter-complaints. "Respondent" is generally used in the context of appeals