Plead Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Plead?

It is filing of written documents with the court in civil cases, to put a request for justice. In criminal cases it can be referred to the plea by the defendant against the claims by the plaintiff, in the written form.

History and Meaning of Plead

In the legal context, "plead" means to present arguments or make a request in a court of law. The origins of the word "plead" date back to the medieval period, where it was used to describe the act of making a formal statement in court in response to a charge or accusation. Over time, the term "plead" has come to encompass a variety of legal actions, including filing documents with the court in civil cases or presenting a defense in criminal proceedings.

Examples of Plead

  1. The defendant decided to plead guilty to the charges against him.
  2. The lawyer filed a written plead requesting the court to dismiss the case.
  3. The plaintiff's plead outlined the damages he suffered as a result of the defendant's actions.

Legal Terms Similar to Plead

Here are a few related legal terms to "plead":

  1. Appeal - The act of requesting that a higher court review a lower court's decision.
  2. Motion - A formal request made to the court seeking a ruling or order.
  3. Answer - A formal written response to a complaint filed in a civil court.
  4. Complaint - A legal document filed by a plaintiff against a defendant in a civil court, stating a claim for relief.
  5. Indictment - A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, handed down by a grand jury.