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Legal proceedings Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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legal proceedings

[ˈliːɡl prəˈsiːdɪŋz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in court

Legal proceedings refer to the formal process of resolving disputes or enforcing rights through the court system. It involves the presentation of evidence, legal arguments, and rulings by a judge or jury.

Synonyms

court case, lawsuit, litigation.

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Word Description / Examples
legal proceedings

A general term for the steps and processes involved in the legal system when resolving disputes or enforcing laws.

  • The company initiated legal proceedings to recover the debt
  • Following the accident, legal proceedings were necessary to determine liability
court case

Refers specifically to a particular instance or matter being considered and decided by a court.

  • The court case attracted a lot of media attention
  • John was nervous about the outcome of his court case
lawsuit

A civil action brought in a court in which a plaintiff demands a legal remedy for a harm caused by the defendant.

  • They filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer for selling defective products
  • The lawsuit was settled out of court
litigation

The process of taking legal action, involving any disputes that are resolved in court; usually refers to civil cases.

  • The company is involved in various litigation related to its business practices
  • She decided to pursue litigation to address the breach of contract

Examples of usage

  • The legal proceedings lasted for several months before a verdict was reached.
  • During the legal proceedings, both parties presented their case to the judge.
  • The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine the rights and obligations of the parties involved.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'legal proceedings'

The term 'legal proceedings' originated from the Latin word 'legalis,' meaning 'related to the law,' and 'procedere,' meaning 'to go forward.' Legal proceedings have been a fundamental part of legal systems across various cultures and societies throughout history. The formalization of legal proceedings can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where structured processes for resolving disputes and enforcing rights were established.