plea : Idioms & Phrases

one of the three superior courts of common law at Westminster, presided over by a chief justice and four puisne judges. Its jurisdiction is confined to civil matters. Courts bearing this title exist in several of the United States, having, however, in some cases, botth civil and criminal jurisdiction extending over the whole State. In other States the jurisdiction of the common pleas is limited to a county, and it is sometimes called a county court. Its powers are generally defined by statute.

(O. Eng. Law), the plea of sanctuary or of benefit of clergy, before trial or conviction; now abolished.

noun a plea that delays the action without settling the cause of action; it can challenge the jurisdiction or claim disability of the defendant etc. (such defenses are usually raised in the defendant's answer)

(Law), a plea designed to create delay in the trial of a cause, generally founded upon some matter not connected with the merits of the case.

(Law), a plea alleging several matters in answer to the declaration, where either of such matters alone would be a sufficient bar to the action. Stephen.

noun (criminal law) a plea in which the defendant claims innocence due to mental incompetence at the time
insanity plea.

(Law), a plea to the merits, on which the adverse party may take issue and proceed to trial.

a plea by a defendant tending to impeach the plaintiff's right of action; a plea in bar.

noun (criminal law) a negotiation in which the defendant agrees to enter a plea of guilty to a lesser charge and the prosecutor agrees to drop a more serious charge
plea bargain.
- his admission was part of a plea bargain with the prosecutor
- plea bargaining helps to stop the courts becoming congested

noun (criminal law) a negotiation in which the defendant agrees to enter a plea of guilty to a lesser charge and the prosecutor agrees to drop a more serious charge
plea bargain.
- his admission was part of a plea bargain with the prosecutor
- plea bargaining helps to stop the courts becoming congested

noun (criminal law) a plea in which the defendant claims innocence due to mental incompetence at the time
insanity plea.

verb agree to plead guilty in return for a lesser charge
- If he plea-bargains, he will be sent to a medium-security prison for 8 years

(Law), a plea setting forth particular and new matter, distinguished from the general issue. Bouvier.