Reject

What reject means

In short, reject 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 reject 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

Start with the primary source. For example, if reject 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 reject 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 current federal court rules online for free.

Related legal terms

• Recuse: to step aside from hearing a case. A judge recuses when there is a conflict of interest or other reason the judge should not decide the matter. A party asks a judge to recuse by filing a motion for recusal.
• Register: to record something in an official list or public record.
• Regulation: a rule issued by a government agency under authority granted by statute.
• Rehearing: a second hearing of a case by the same court to reconsider its decision. In the federal courts of appeals, a party may petition for panel rehearing or rehearing en banc under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 40.

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.