Legal Definitions - action at law

Action at law refers to a civil or criminal judicial proceeding. It is a legal process by which one party prosecutes another party for the enforcement or protection of a right, the redress or prevention of a wrong, or the punishment of a public offense. It seeks only a legal remedy, such as monetary damages, and not equitable relief like an injunction or specific performance.

Examples of action at law include:

• A lawsuit filed by a person who was injured in a car accident to recover compensation for their medical expenses and lost wages.
• A criminal trial in which the state prosecutes a defendant for a crime, such as theft or assault.
• A breach of contract lawsuit filed by a business against a vendor who failed to deliver goods as promised.

These examples illustrate how action at law is a legal process that seeks a remedy through the court system. It is different from a suit in equity, which seeks equitable relief like an injunction or specific performance.