Corpus

What corpus means

In short, corpus is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.

Where corpus 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

To research corpus, 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

• Corporation: an artificial person created under a state or federal statute, usually by filing articles of incorporation, that can own property, make contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name, separate from its shareholders.
• Corporation sole: a corporation made up of a single office and the successive people who hold it, used for example by some religious officials to hold property for the office rather than for themselves.
• Counterclaim: a claim by a defending party against the party who sued it.
• Crossclaim: a claim by one party against a coparty, such as one defendant against another.

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.