Lawsuit

Definition

  • An action brought through a court by a plaintiff against a defendant. The plaintiff claims to have sustained a loss due to the actions of the defendant and the plaintiff seeks legal remedy (monetary compensation) or equitable remedy (an injunction or specific performance). Also known as a "suit in law."

Synonyms
suit, suit in law

Alternate Spellings
litigation, law suit

Related Terms and Acronyms

  • Burden of Proof (BOP) Acronym,
    • The legal requirement to provide enough evidence to win a lawsuit. In civil cases, such as tax court, the burden is decided by the preponderance -- the most -- evidence. Except in cases of tax fraud, the burden of proof in a tax case generally is on the taxpayer.
  • Causation Definition,
    • A method of connecting an entity's conduct with an effect, which in some cases can prove legal liability.
  • Common Law (CL) Acronym, Very Important,
    • Traditional, unwritten law based on English custom.
    Laws developed by judges through court decisions and precedent.
  • Defendant Definition,
    • The accused party in a lawsuit or criminal trial.
  • Errors and Omissions Insurance Definition,
    • Insurance that protects architects, home inspectors and contractors from claims by clients for professional mistakes.
  • Malpractice Definition,
    • Negligent acts done by a professional that causes injury to a plaintiff.
  • Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Acronym,
    • A contract that disallows one or more parties from disclosing information covered by the contract.
  • Plaintiff Definition,
    • The party who initiates a lawsuit.
  • Settlement Definition,
    • An agreement between the parties of a legal case.
  • Settlement Statement Definition,
    • A document that details who has paid how much to whom.
  • Tort Definition,
    • An act that causes harm or loss.
  • Tort Law Definition,
    • Civil law or the laws that govern civil lawsuits.
  • Tortfeasor Definition,
    • A party who commits a tort (a civil wrong).
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