What does it mean to have standing to sue?

Having standing to sue means that an individual or entity has a sufficient stake in a matter to justify seeking relief through the legal system. This concept is fundamental in law, as it ensures that the courts are addressing disputes where the parties involved have a legitimate interest in the outcome. Standing typically requires that the party bringing the lawsuit has suffered or will suffer direct and personal harm as a result of the actions or inactions of another party.

To establish standing, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they have a concrete injury, that the injury is traceable to the defendant's conduct, and that a favorable court decision would provide a remedy for that injury. This principle helps to prevent the courts from being overloaded with cases brought by individuals who have no real stake in the legal issues being litigated.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of standing. Representing a defendant pertains to the role of legal counsel rather than the party's standing in the case. The presence of legal counsel is about legal representation, which is not a requirement for determining standing itself. Submitting a formal complaint is a procedural action that does not address the necessity of having a direct interest in the legal dispute.