Short Cause Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Short Cause, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Short Cause?

(n) Short cause are the lawsuits which in the opinion of the judge, parties and the attorneys, cases which can be completed in a day. Such classification are made to commence the cases which can be easily disposed of.

History and Meaning of Short Cause

Short cause is a legal term used to describe cases that can be completed in a single day. These cases are classified as those which are short, simple, and can be easily disposed of. They are intended to make the legal process more efficient by allowing judges to focus on more complex cases that require more time and resources.

The concept of short cause dates back to the English common law system, where small claims and minor disputes were heard in a court known as the Court of Requests. Over time, this evolved into the modern small claims court, which is designed to handle low-value disputes quickly and efficiently.

Examples of Short Cause

  1. A landlord-tenant dispute over unpaid rent that can be resolved by a judge in a simple hearing
  2. A minor traffic violation case that can be resolved by paying a fine and pleading guilty
  3. A small claims case where one individual sues another for a small amount of money, such as a disputed repair bill

Legal Terms Similar to Short Cause

  1. Summary Judgment - a legal ruling that disposes of a case before trial, based on a motion filed by one party
  2. Expedited Procedure - a simplified legal process designed to move cases through the court system more quickly
  3. Mediation - a process of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party helps parties come to a mutually acceptable agreement.