Commerce
Commerce: The buying, selling and moving of goods and services, especially between states or countries. Under the Commerce Clause, Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress has power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states and with Indian tribes.
What commerce means
Put simply, commerce is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.
Where commerce comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
Read the source: Constitution.
How to research the term
To research commerce, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Coercion: using force, threats or other pressure to make someone act against their will. A contract or other agreement obtained by improper threats can be voidable for duress (Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 175). Many coercive acts are also crimes, such as extortion and coercing a person by threats of violence.
- Collateral: property pledged to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation. If the debtor defaults, the secured party may be able to take or sell the collateral. Under UCC § 9-102(a)(12), collateral is the property subject to a security interest or agricultural lien.
- Collateral estoppel: issue preclusion: when an issue of fact or law is actually litigated and determined by a valid and final judgment, and the determination is essential to the judgment, it is generally conclusive in a later action between the parties, whether on the same or a different claim (Restatement (Second) of Judgments § 27).
- Color of law: the appearance of legal authority.
Why precise terms matter
Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.