Legal Definitions - sham plea

Definition: A sham plea is a frivolous or absurd pleading made only for the purpose of vexation or delay in a legal proceeding. It is also known as a false plea or deceitful plea.

Example: A defendant in a civil lawsuit files a motion to dismiss the case, claiming that the plaintiff's complaint is based on false allegations and lacks any legal merit. However, the defendant knows that the allegations are true and has no valid defense. This motion is a sham plea because it is made only to delay the proceedings and harass the plaintiff.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a sham plea is used to frustrate the legal process and cause unnecessary delays. It is a tactic employed by unscrupulous litigants to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents. Courts have the power to sanction parties who file sham pleadings and may impose penalties such as fines or dismissal of the case.