Minister
Minister: A member of the clergy, or a high government official, such as a cabinet minister in a parliamentary system. For clergy, the "ministerial exception" bars many employment discrimination claims by ministers against their religious organizations (Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC, 565 U.S. 171 (2012)), and 26 U.S.C. § 107 excludes a qualifying parsonage allowance from a minister's gross income. A "ministerial act," by contrast, is an official duty performed without discretion.
What minister means
In practice, you will see minister 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 minister 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: Church.
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 minister 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
- Memorandum: a written statement or note. In motion practice, a memorandum of points and authorities (or memorandum of law) sets out the facts, the law and the argument supporting or opposing a motion. Courts also issue memorandum opinions, and parties may sign a memorandum of understanding.
- Mens rea: latin for "guilty mind." The mental state the prosecution must prove for a crime, along with the criminal act.
- Merger: has several meanings.
- Miller Act: the federal law (40 U.S.C. §§ 3131–3134) requiring a contractor on a federal construction contract of more than $100,000 to furnish a performance bond and a payment bond before the contract is awarded. Subcontractors and suppliers who are not paid can sue on the payment bond.
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.