Legal Definitions - cognovit actionem

Definition: Cognovit actionem is a Latin term used in law which means "he has confessed the action". It refers to a written admission by a defendant of the plaintiff's claim, allowing the plaintiff to obtain a judgment for a specific amount.

Example: John owes $10,000 to Jane. Instead of going to court, John signs a document admitting that he owes the money to Jane. This document is called a cognovit actionem. By signing it, John allows Jane to obtain a judgment against him for the $10,000 he owes.

Explanation: In this example, John has confessed to owing the money to Jane by signing the cognovit actionem. This admission allows Jane to obtain a judgment against John without having to go through a trial. The cognovit actionem is a legal tool that can save time and money for both parties involved in a dispute.