Juris

What juris means

In practice, you will see juris in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.

Where juris 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: Jurisdiction.

How to research the term

First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses juris in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.

You can read the current federal court rules online for free.

Related legal terms

• Judicial immunity: the rule that a judge cannot be sued for money damages over judicial acts.
• Judicial misconduct complaint: a written complaint that a federal judge "has engaged in conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts," or cannot perform the duties of office because of a mental or physical disability.
• Judicial notice: a court's acceptance of a fact as true without formal proof because it is not subject to reasonable dispute — it is generally known within the trial court's territorial jurisdiction, or can be accurately and readily determined from sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned (Fed. R. Evid. 201(b)).
• Judiciary: the branch of government made up of the courts and judges. Article III of the U.S. Constitution places the judicial power of the United States in one Supreme Court and in the lower courts Congress creates. Each state also has its own judiciary.

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.