"ex parte" (Latin)

by Craig Shrives

What does the Latin term ex parte mean?

"Ex parte" is a Latin term commonly used in legal contexts. It refers to a legal proceeding, motion, or communication that is conducted on behalf of, or involving, only one party without the presence or notice of the other party. In simpler terms, it means a one-sided or unilateral action in a legal matter. This term is typically used to describe situations where one party seeks relief from a court or tribunal without the knowledge or participation of the opposing party. It often occurs in emergency or time-sensitive situations where immediate action is necessary and providing notice to the other party would be impractical or counterproductive.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three example sentences demonstrating the usage of "ex parte":
  • Ex parte applications are commonly filed when there is an urgent need for a court order, such as a temporary restraining order.
  • The judge granted an ex parte hearing to the plaintiff's attorney to present crucial evidence that could not be disclosed to the defendant.
  • In the interest of fairness, the court allowed the opposing party to respond to the ex parte motion before making a final decision.
ex parte (meaning)

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