What is the definition of a litigant?

A litigant is defined as a person involved in a lawsuit, which is precisely what makes option C the correct choice. In the legal context, a litigant can be either the plaintiff, who initiates the lawsuit, or the defendant, who is responding to the lawsuit. This term encompasses all individuals or entities who are actively participating in legal proceedings with an interest in the outcome.

Understanding this definition is crucial within Canadian hospitality law, as it highlights who is actively engaged in disputes that may arise in the context of hospitality and service industries. Knowing who qualifies as a litigant helps in recognizing the parties that may need legal representation in disputes ranging from contract breaches to liability issues.

The other options do not adequately capture the essence of who a litigant is. A lawyer representing a case refers to the legal counsel rather than the parties involved. A witness in a court case provides testimony but is not a litigant since they are not direct parties to the lawsuit. An attorney advising clients may offer guidance on legal matters but does not become a litigant unless they themselves are involved in litigation as a party. Each of these roles plays a valuable part in the legal system, but they do not encompass the definition of a litigant.