Legal Definitions - N.P.

N.P.

N.P. is an abbreviation that can stand for two different things:

1. Nisi Prius: This is a Latin term that refers to a court that has the power to hear and decide cases at first instance. In other words, it is a court that has original jurisdiction over a case. For example, a case may be heard in a nisi prius court before it is appealed to a higher court.
2. Notary Public: This is a person who is authorized by the government to witness and certify the signing of legal documents. For example, a notary public may witness the signing of a will or a power of attorney.

• A lawyer may argue a case in a nisi prius court before it is appealed to a higher court.
• Before signing a legal document, it may be necessary to have it notarized by a notary public.

The examples illustrate the two different meanings of N.P. The first example shows how N.P. can refer to a court that has original jurisdiction over a case. The second example shows how N.P. can refer to a person who is authorized to witness and certify the signing of legal documents. By understanding the different meanings of N.P., it is possible to use the term correctly in different contexts.