Who is considered the plaintiff in an order of protection case?

In an order of protection case, the plaintiff is the victim or the individual who is filing for the order of protection. This person seeks legal relief due to a perceived threat or harmful behavior from another individual, typically referred to as the defendant. The plaintiff initiates the legal process to gain protection from abuse, harassment, or other forms of harm by requesting the order.

The judge's role is to oversee the proceedings and make decisions based on the evidence presented, while a law enforcement officer may assist in enforcing the order but does not take on the role of a plaintiff. Understanding the roles of each party involved in these cases is crucial for grasping the legal framework surrounding order of protection cases.