Petitioner

A petitioner is an individual, group, or organization that formally requests something, typically in writing, from a government official, court, or other authority. This request, often in the form of a petition, outlines a grievance, a desired action, or a change in policy. The act of petitioning is a fundamental right in many democratic societies, allowing citizens to voice their concerns and seek redress. The petitioner bears the responsibility of clearly articulating their request, providing supporting evidence or arguments, and adhering to any established procedural guidelines for submitting the petition. Success hinges on the persuasiveness of the petition and the willingness of the receiving authority to consider and act upon it.

Petitioner meaning with examples

• The community group acted as the lead petitioner, gathering hundreds of signatures on a petition demanding the city council allocate funding for improved park facilities. They presented compelling evidence, including a survey showing strong public support. The petitioner and their team then spoke at a public hearing, further elaborating on their request and addressing concerns raised by council members.
• In a landmark legal case, the plaintiff acted as the petitioner, formally submitting a legal document that initiated the lawsuit against the corporation. The petitioner's attorneys meticulously prepared their arguments, gathering testimonies and gathering supporting documents. Their detailed petition outlined the alleged wrongdoings and requested monetary compensation for damages suffered by the plaintiff.
• A coalition of environmental organizations filed a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency, acting as the petitioner in their attempt to halt a proposed logging project. The petition detailed potential environmental damage, backed by scientific studies, and the petitioner highlighted the importance of protecting local wildlife habitats. The EPA reviewed the petition and launched an investigation, and the ruling will determine the impact of this project.
• A citizen acting as the petitioner submitted a request to the local school board asking for the implementation of a new after-school program. The petitioner outlined the benefits of the program, including providing students with access to tutoring and extracurricular activities. They presented the results of a community survey supporting the proposed program, making it clear that the petitioner had the backing of the community.