Disposition Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Disposition?

History and Meaning of Disposition

Disposition is a term used in law to describe the final judgment or resolution of a legal case. It refers to the outcome or decision made by a court after a lawsuit or criminal proceeding has been concluded, in which a judge or jury has reached a verdict. In simpler terms, disposition can be thought of as the ultimate fate of a legal case.

Examples of Disposition

1. After a long trial, the judge finally issued her disposition, finding the defendant guilty of all charges.
2. The parties involved in the lawsuit agreed to settle out of court, and the case was dismissed without any further disposition.
3. The disposition of the case was a victory for the plaintiff, who was awarded damages totaling $1 million.
4. The prosecutor and defense counsel worked out a plea deal, and the defendant agreed to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence and a more favorable disposition.
5. The appeal court overturned the original decision and sent the case back to the district court for a new disposition.

Legal Terms Similar to Disposition

• Judgement: this is a formal decision issued by a court at the end of a lawsuit or criminal trial.
• Sentence: this refers to the punishment imposed by a court after a defendant has been found guilty of a crime.
• Verdict: this term describes the formal decision reached by a jury or judge in a trial, which is usually the result of deliberation and review of evidence.
• Settlement: this is an agreement reached between parties to a lawsuit or dispute outside of court, which typically results in the discontinuation of legal proceedings.