O.S.C. Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is O.S.C.?

n. Abbreviation for “order to show cause.”

Refers to an order given by the court of law to a party to appear in the court on a given date and to give proper reasons legal or anyother as to why a particular order should not be made.This is common in cases of child suuport,child custody or failure to produce legal documents on a previous occasion.

History and Meaning of O.S.C.

O.S.C. stands for "order to show cause." This is a legal term used to refer to an order given by a court to a party to appear at a specified date and time to give reasons why a particular order should not be made. This order is generally issued when a person has failed to comply with a prior court order or when a party believes that some form of immediate relief is necessary.

Examples of O.S.C.

Here are some examples of how O.S.C. can be used in different legal contexts:

  • A court may issue an O.S.C. to a parent who has failed to pay child support as ordered, requiring them to appear before the court and explain why they should not be held in contempt.
  • In a child custody case, one parent may file an O.S.C. against the other if they believe the other party is not complying with the custody order, such as by not allowing visitation.
  • If a party fails to show up to court for a scheduled hearing, the judge may issue an O.S.C. requiring the party to show cause as to why they did not appear, and why they should not be held in contempt for failing to do so.

Legal Terms Similar to O.S.C.

Here are some related legal terms:

  • Show Cause Hearing: A hearing at which a party is required to demonstrate why they should not be held in contempt or sanctioned for failing to comply with a court order.
  • Contempt of Court: Disobeying, disrespecting, or defying a court order. A person who is found in contempt may face a range of sanctions, including fines, imprisonment, or community service.
  • Motion: A written request to the court for a specific ruling or order. This is often used in conjunction with an O.S.C. to request relief from the court.
  • Sanctions: A punishment or penalty imposed by the court for failure to comply with its orders, or for other misconduct. Sanctions may take the form of fines, reduction of rights, or other disciplinary measures.