Party

What party means

In short, party 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 party comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Joinder of Parties (Required and Permissive) (Fed. R. Civ. P. 19, 20): the rules for who must, and who may, join as parties in one lawsuit.

Read the source: Litigant.

How to research the term

Start with the primary source. For example, if party appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read party in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Joinder: combining parties or claims in a single lawsuit.
• Operative: in effect and controlling.
• Order: a written direction or ruling by the court.
• Order to show cause: a court order directing a party or person to appear and explain why the court should not take a stated action, such as holding the person in contempt, imposing sanctions, granting an injunction or dismissing a case.

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.