Convey
Convey: To transfer title to, or an interest in, property — usually real estate — from one person to another, typically by a deed. The transfer is called a conveyance.
What convey means
Put simply, convey 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 convey 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.
How to research the term
Start with the primary source. For example, if convey appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read convey in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Constitutional avoidance: the canon that a court should avoid deciding a constitutional question if it can decide the case on another ground, and should read a statute to avoid serious constitutional doubts when that reading is fairly possible.
- Contempt of court: disobeying a court order or disrupting or disrespecting the court. Civil contempt aims to force compliance or compensate a party. Criminal contempt punishes past misconduct. Federal courts have contempt power under 18 U.S.C. § 401.
- Continuance: postponement of a hearing, trial or deadline.
- Contract: a promise or set of promises the law will enforce or recognize as a duty (Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 1).
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
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.