Legal Definitions - general special imparlance

Definition: General special imparlance is a legal term that refers to the allowance of time given to a defendant to answer the adversary's last pleading, such as a writ, bill, or count. This continuance is granted to give the parties time to settle the dispute. It is also known as licentia loquendi.

Examples:

• General Imparlance: The defendant is given time until the court's next term to answer the adversary's pleading without reserving any exceptions. This means that the defendant cannot later object to the jurisdiction of the court or plead any matter in abatement.
• General Special Imparlance: The defendant is given time with a saving of all exceptions, which means that the defendant can later plead not only in abatement but also to the jurisdiction.
• Special Imparlance: The defendant is given time with a saving only of exceptions to the writ, bill, or count, but not to the court's jurisdiction.

For example, if a plaintiff files a writ against a defendant, the defendant may request a general special imparlance to have more time to answer the writ. This allows the defendant to plead not only in abatement but also to the jurisdiction if necessary. The court may grant this request, giving the parties more time to settle the dispute before proceeding with the case.