Legal definitions (2024)

FAQs

What is the legal definition of an answer? ›

In law, an answer refers to a defendant's first formal written statement to a plaintiff's initial petition or complaint. This opening written statement will admit or deny the allegations, or demand more information about the claims of wrongdoing.

The two most commonly used legal dictionaries are Black's Law Dictionary and Ballentine's Law Dictionary. Print copies of Black's are located on dictionary stands on the fourth and fifth floors. For online access: Black's Law Dictionary (Westlaw)

Insufficient evidence is the evidence which fails to meet the burden of proof and is inadequate to prove a fact.

A Reply is important if either: the defendant has raised new allegations of fact; or. the defendant has filed a counterclaim against you (the response to a counterclaim is called an answer).

Rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are: Publicly promulgated. Equally enforced. Independently adjudicated. And consistent with international human rights principles.

RESPOND Definition & Legal Meaning

1. To make or file an answer to a bill, libel, or appeal, in tbe character of a respondent, (q. v.) 2. To be liable or answerable; to make satisfaction or amends; as, to “respond in damages.”

The FindLaw Legal Dictionary -- free access to over 8273 definitions of legal terms. Search for a definition or ... Lectric Law Library's Dictionary https://www.lectlaw.com/def.htm This is what many consider the Net's best law dictionary.

Black's Law Dictionary is the most commonly used law dictionary in the United States.

The phrase "Voir Dire" literally means, "to speak the truth." In court, it refers to a process of determining whether a juror can serve fairly and impartially in a given case by asking the juror various questions.

Corpus delicti means the “body of the crime” and is a common law concept taught to all law school students that a court can't convict a defendant without sufficient proof that is independent of their confession or admission that the crime occurred, as defined under California Criminal Jury Instructions (CALCRIM 359).

What are the three burdens of proof? ›

The burden of proof is a legal standard that requires parties to provide evidence to demonstrate that a claim is valid. Three levels of the burden of proof, "beyond a reasonable doubt," a "preponderance of the evidence," and "clear and convincing" determine the level of evidence required for a claim.

Circ*mstantial evidence implies a fact or event without actually proving it. The more circ*mstantial evidence there is, the greater weight it carries.

Legal Definition

reply. noun. re·​ply. : a plaintiff's or complainant's response to a plea, allegation, or counterclaim in the defendant's answer.

The right of reply or right of correction generally means the right to defend oneself against public criticism in the same venue where it was published. In some countries, such as Brazil, it is a legal or even constitutional right.

Normally a defendant has 30 days in which to file an answer after being served with the plaintiff's complaint. In some courts, an answer is called a "response."

The defendant's response to a complaint is called the answer. The answer contains the defendant's version of the events leading to the lawsuit and may be based on the contents of the complaint. The filing of the answer is one option that the defendant has in deciding how to respond to the complaint.

reply n. : a plaintiff's or complainant's response to a plea, allegation, or counterclaim in the defendant's answer.

An answer is a formal written response to the plaintiff's complaint in which the defendant responds to all of the allegations in the complaint and sets forth any defenses to all or part of plaintiff's claims. An answer is filed by the defendant after s/he has been served with a copy of the complaint.