The phrase "second defendant" refers to the person who is being accused or sued in a legal case, and is considered the second person on trial or facing legal consequences. Full definition
Her former employers were originally named as second defendants, presumably on the basis that their reference had been misleading, but the council's claim against them was settled before trial. (newlawjournal.co.uk)
In its statement of claim supported by a 20 paragraph affidavit deposed to by Mr Chris Ndulue, a Director with Arik Air, the plaintiff asked the court to restrain the first and second defendants from further negotiations on its takeover. (nigeriapoliticsonline.com)
The first and second defendants right of pre-emption (which stemmed from the original conveyance of the hotel) did not confer on them a present or contingent interest in the retained land. (lawteacher.net)