How should civil cases be named according to naming conventions?

Civil cases are typically named following a convention that identifies the parties involved, specifically designating the plaintiff and the defendant in a particular order. The correct naming convention is to refer to the plaintiff first, followed by the word "versus," and then the defendant. This structure clearly indicates who is taking legal action (the plaintiff) against whom (the defendant), making it easier to understand the nature of the case at a glance.

Using "plaintiff versus defendant" aligns with standard legal terminology and fits within the conventions used by the courts and legal documents. This format maintains consistency across public records and legal proceedings, which is vital for clarity and transparency.

Other variations might not adhere to this established format, which can lead to confusion in legal contexts or misinterpretation of roles within the case. For instance, naming a case with "defendant" first can mislead individuals regarding who initiated the legal action.