Which term refers to individuals directly involved in a court case?

The term that refers to individuals directly involved in a court case is "parties." In the context of legal proceedings, the "parties" typically include the plaintiff and the defendant in a civil case or the prosecution and the defendant in a criminal case. These are the individuals or entities who have a direct stake in the outcome of the litigation.

Understanding this term is essential because "parties" encompasses all those actively participating in the legal matter, thereby distinguishing them from ancillary figures such as witnesses (who provide testimony but are not part of the case itself) or jurors (who serve to decide the outcome but are not directly involved as litigants). Recognizing the role and significance of the parties is crucial for comprehending the structure of a court case and how the legal system operates.