Final answer:
A litigious person is someone who frequently initiates lawsuits. In the adversarial system, the plaintiff brings the case, while the defendant defends themselves. The plaintiff bears the burden of proof in both civil and criminal cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
A litigious person is one who is prone to engage in lawsuits. Understanding the context of litigation is essential to comprehend this term. In the adversarial judicial system of the United States, the plaintiff is the party bringing a case before the court, alleging harm done by another party, the defendant.
In civil cases, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff, who claims to be the injured party, while in criminal cases the government, representing the people, serves as the plaintiff. Defendants in both types of cases are entitled to confront their accusers and defend themselves against the charges.