Stipulation Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Stipulation?

(n) Stipulation is the specification or conditions about the procedural matters agreed in writing and filed with the court by the attorneys in a legal action.

History and Meaning of Stipulation

Stipulation is a term widely used in the legal field to refer to an agreement between two parties involved in a legal matter. This agreement is usually related to procedural matters and is put in writing and filed with the court by the attorneys representing the parties. The goal of a stipulation is to streamline the legal process by avoiding contentious issues that can cause delays and costly litigation.

Stipulations have been a part of the legal system for centuries, with their usage having evolved over time. Today, stipulations are an essential part of the litigation process as they help to simplify the legal proceedings by resolving certain issues without the need for elaborate court hearings.

Examples of Stipulation

  1. In a divorce case, the parties could stipulate to the terms of the property settlement and child support without having to go to court.

  2. In a personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff's lawyer and the defendant's lawyer could stipulate to certain facts relating to the accident, such as the speed of the vehicles involved.

  3. In a criminal case, the prosecution and the defense could stipulate to certain evidence, such as the defendant's prior criminal record.

Legal Terms Similar to Stipulation

  1. Consent order - a type of court order that results from an agreement between the parties involved in a legal matter.

  2. Settlement agreement - an agreement between the parties in a legal dispute that resolves the dispute outside of court.

  3. Waiver - giving up a legal right or claim, often done in writing.