The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A complaint in the legal world refers to the first document that is filed by the plaintiff in a case. This document lists all of the facts and reasons why the plaintiff believes he is justified in bringing his case against the defendant. For example, a complaint filed in a civil case may detail the ways in which the plaintiff […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Ashcroft v. Iqbal, United States Supreme Court, (2006) Case summary for Ashcroft v. Iqbal: Pakistani Iqbal was taken into custody and detained throughout a September 11th investigation. Iqbal filed a complaint against officials, including Ashcroft claiming the conditions of detainment were discriminatory based on race, religion and national origin. Ashcroft filed a motion to […]
Read moreIn the legal process, an “answer” refers to a written response filed by a defendant to a plaintiff’s complaint or petition. The answer, also called a “response” in some situations, typically denies the accusations made, or facts stated, by the plaintiff. The defendant may also include facts in an attempt to justify his actions, or to make a counterclaim against […]
Read moreA legal petition is the first official document that is filed in a legal action. The document provides a basic outline of the case, and its main purpose is to provide the defendant with notice of the impending lawsuit. Exactly what must be included in a petition varies slightly by state, but in all jurisdictions, the petition, also called a […]
Read moreA formal, written statement asking the court to grant relief, or to decide a dispute, is referred to as a “pleading.” The written complaint filed by a plaintiff to initiate a civil lawsuit, or filed by a prosecutor to initiate criminal proceedings, as well as the written answer filed by a civil defendant are generally the first pleadings in any […]
Read moreIssued by a Grand Jury, an indictment is a formal written charge of a crime, informing the accused individual of the charge against him. In most cases, the issuance of an indictment marks the beginning of the trial process. The indictment contains a brief statement of where and when the crime took place, as well as how the accused allegedly […]
Read moreIn the legal system, a “cause of action” is a set of facts or legal theory that gives an individual or entity the right to seek a legal remedy against another. This applies to the filing of a civil lawsuit for such wrongs as property damages, personal injury, or monetary loss, as well as to criminal wrongs such as battery, […]
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