NICS

What NICS means

Put simply, nics 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 nics 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: Background checks guide.

How to research the term

To research nics, 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

• Natural law: the idea that there are principles of right and justice that exist independently of human legislation and can be known through reason or revelation.
• Natural person: a human being, as distinguished from an artificial person such as a corporation.
• Negligence: failure to use the care that a reasonably careful person would use in the same situation. A negligence claim generally requires a duty, a breach of that duty, causation and damages.
• Negotiable instrument: a signed written promise or order to pay a fixed amount of money that meets the requirements of UCC Article 3, such as a note or check.

Why precise terms matter

Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.