Suit Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Suit?

History and Meaning of Suit

A 'Suit' is one of the most common legal terms used in civil litigation. A 'suit' can also describe an action that involves two or more parties who are seeking legal redress. The word 'suit' has its roots in the latin word 'secusat' which means an action or proceeding in court. It is primarily used to describe any case before a court of law.

Examples of Suit

Here are some examples of how the term 'suit' is used in different contexts:

• A plaintiff may file a suit against a defendant for breach of contract.
• The attorney filed a malpractice suit against her former law firm.
• The tenant filed a suit against the landlord for improper maintenance of the property.
• A group of investors filed a class action suit against a corporation.

Legal Terms Similar to Suit

Some related terms to 'suit' are:

• Complaint: A legal document that initiates a lawsuit and describes the allegations made by the plaintiff against a defendant.
• Action: A term used to describe the formal proceeding in a court of law that involves judicial intervention in a case.
• Litigation: Refers to any legal action/controversy that is before a court, such as a lawsuit or an appeal.
• Case: A general term for any legal action that is before a court or tribunal. It can refer to both civil and criminal proceedings.
• Petition: A formal written request made to a court or government body, which seeks a specific action or relief.