Legal Definitions - non-suit

A non-suit is a decision made by a judge in a lawsuit. It happens when the plaintiff (the person who filed the lawsuit) either doesn't show up for the trial or presents all their evidence, but the judge doesn't think it's enough to prove their case. When this happens, the trial ends, and the plaintiff loses the case.

Example 1: Sarah sues John for breaking her phone. However, when the trial date arrives, Sarah doesn't show up. The judge declares a non-suit, and John wins the case.

Example 2: Tom sues his neighbor for damaging his car. During the trial, Tom presents his evidence, but the judge doesn't think it's enough to prove his case. The judge declares a non-suit, and Tom loses the case.

These examples illustrate how a non-suit can happen when the plaintiff doesn't show up or doesn't have enough evidence to prove their case. In both cases, the trial ends, and the defendant wins the case.