Who is referred to as the petitioner?

The term "petitioner" most accurately refers to one making a written request for relief in court. This is typically the individual or entity that initiates legal proceedings by filing a petition, which is a formal written request asking the court to grant a specific remedy or take a specific action. In many legal contexts, especially in civil law, the petitioner is the party who brings the action before the court, seeking a ruling or decision on a particular issue.

While an appeal may involve a petitioner, the broader and more accurate definition is associated with the individual making the formal request. This distinction is important in understanding legal terms and their applications in various legal scenarios.