Legal Definitions - instance

Definition: An example or occurrence, the act of instituting legal proceedings, or urgent solicitation or insistence.

• There were 55 instances of reported auto theft in this small community last year.
• The court of first instance is responsible for hearing initial legal proceedings.
• She applied for the job at the instance of her friend, who recommended her for the position.

The first example illustrates an occurrence of auto theft in a community. The second example illustrates the act of instituting legal proceedings in a specific court. The third example illustrates urgent solicitation or insistence from a friend to apply for a job.