What is the meaning of "versus" in legal terms?

In legal terminology, the word "versus" is derived from Latin and translates to "against." It is commonly used in case titles to indicate the opposing parties involved in a legal dispute. For example, in a case titled "Smith versus Jones," it signifies that Smith is bringing a legal action against Jones. This usage is crucial in identifying the nature of the legal relationship between the parties, as it indicates that one party is challenging or litigating against another party in a court of law.

The other options do not accurately reflect the legal meaning of "versus." "With" suggests a cooperative relationship, "for" implies a support or justification, and "to" indicates direction or attachment, none of which are applicable in the context of adversarial legal proceedings. Therefore, understanding "versus" as indicating opposition is key in interpreting legal cases and their respective parties.