plea

Noun
  1. A humble request for help from someone in authority (synset 107202298)
    is a type of: appeal, entreaty, prayer - earnest or urgent request
    same as: supplication
  2. (law) a defendant's answer by a factual matter (as distinguished from a demurrer) (synset 106573129)
    referred to in: jurisprudence, law - the collection of rules imposed by authority
    is a type of: answer - the principal pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint; in criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of `guilty' or `not guilty' (or nolo contendere); in civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims
    subtypes:
    • counterplea - a plaintiff's reply to a defendant's plea
    • dilatory plea - 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)
    • insanity plea, plea of insanity - (criminal law) a plea in which the defendant claims innocence due to mental incompetence at the time
  3. An answer indicating why a suit should be dismissed (synset 101200418)
    referred to in: jurisprudence, law - the collection of rules imposed by authority
    is a type of: due process, due process of law - (law) the administration of justice according to established rules and principles; based on the principle that a person cannot be deprived of life or liberty or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards
    is a part of: trial - (law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law

Other Searches