Legal Definitions - amend

Definition: To amend is to make a change by adding, subtracting, or substituting.

For example, if you wrote a paper and realized you made a mistake, you can amend it by correcting the error. In law, you can amend a statute, a contract, or a pleading filed in a lawsuit. The process for amending something depends on the specific item being changed.

For instance, the United States Constitution can be amended through a specific process outlined in Article V. In the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 15 provides ways in which a pleading may be amended. This allows parties to correct mistakes or add new information to their initial pleading.

However, there are limitations to amending something. For example, if the opposing party does not consent to the amendment, a court may have discretion in