Juristic person

What juristic person means

In short, juristic person 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 juristic person 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 juristic person, 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

• 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.
• Juris: a Latin word meaning of law or of right. It appears in legal phrases such as sui juris (of one's own right, legally able to act for oneself), Juris Doctor (the law degree) and jurisdiction.
• Jurisdiction: a court's power to hear a case and make binding decisions.
• Jurisprudence: the study and theory of law, including what law is and how it should work. The word also means the body of court decisions on a subject, as in "Fourth Amendment jurisprudence."

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.