Legal Definitions - Plead

Definition: To plead means to draft and serve a legal document or to file a legal document in court. It can also mean to respond to the opposing party's legal document or to make a legal argument.

In civil lawsuits and petitions, pleading refers to the act of filing any legal document or making an assertion or allegation in a legal proceeding. For example, a plaintiff may plead their case by filing a complaint, while a defendant may plead their defense by filing an answer.

In criminal law, pleading refers to the defendant's response to each charge of criminal conduct. For example, a defendant may plead guilty or not guilty to a charge.

Examples:

• A lawyer may plead their client's case in court.
• A plaintiff may plead their case by filing a complaint.
• A defendant may plead guilty or not guilty to a charge.

These examples illustrate how pleading can refer to making a legal argument or filing a legal document in court. It is an important part of the legal process and allows parties to present their case and respond to the opposing party's arguments.