A joint defendant is a defendant involved in litigation with two or more defendants. In many states, such as in this case from Colorado, a joint defendant may face joint liability if the defendant is found to have consciously conspired and deliberately pursued a common plan or design to commit a tortious act. A joint defendant would be held responsible only for the degree or percentage of fault assessed to the defendant and has a right of contribution from his or her fellow defendants acting in concert. See also codefendant.
[Last updated in June of 2020 by the Wex Definitions Team]