Archives: Glossary

A court’s power to hear a case and make binding decisions.

A procedure for resolving competing claims to the same money or property in one case.

A lawsuit in which one or more people sue or are sued as representatives of a larger group.

A defense that defeats or reduces a claim even if the plaintiff’s allegations are true, such as the statute of limitations.

A change to a pleading after it has been filed.

The court’s permission to take a step that the rules do not allow as of right.

The pretrial process in which parties obtain information and evidence from each other and from nonparties.

Basic information each party must provide early in a federal case without waiting for a discovery request.

Penalties a court may impose for violating rules or orders.

Judgment without a trial because there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.