Vastuvastaja

Vastuvastaja is an Estonian term that translates to "counter-respondent" or "respondent's opponent" in English. It is primarily used in legal contexts, particularly in civil litigation and administrative proceedings, to refer to the party against whom a counterclaim or a cross-claim is filed. In essence, the vastuvastaja is the original defendant who is now facing a new claim initiated by the plaintiff or another co-defendant.

When a plaintiff files a lawsuit, they are the claimant. The party they sue is the defendant. If the defendant then files a claim back against the plaintiff, the plaintiff becomes the vastuvastaja in relation to that specific counterclaim. Similarly, if two or more defendants are involved in a lawsuit, and one defendant files a claim against another defendant, the defendant against whom the claim is filed is the vastuvastaja.

The concept of a vastuvastaja is crucial for understanding the procedural flow of complex legal cases. It signifies that the legal battle has expanded beyond the initial claims, requiring the original defendant to defend not only against the initial accusation but also against the newly presented one. This can add layers of complexity to the litigation, potentially requiring new evidence, legal arguments, and strategies from both sides. The role and obligations of a vastuvastaja are governed by the specific rules of civil procedure in Estonia.