What is the definition of a defendant?

The correct choice defines a defendant as a group or person who is being accused of a crime or is being sued in a civil case. In the context of legal proceedings, the defendant is the individual or entity against whom legal action is initiated. This could be in a criminal context, where the defendant is being charged with an offense, or in civil litigation, where the defendant is being sued for damages or some other remedy.

Understanding this definition is crucial as it distinguishes the role of the defendant from other participants in the legal system. For instance, a witness, who provides testimony, serves a different function from the defendant. Similarly, the judge's role is to oversee the trial impartially, and a person requesting a legal examination does not fit the definition of a defendant either. Thus, the role of a defendant is specifically tied to facing charges or claims in a court of law.