Intervention Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Intervention?

It is an act or procedure of a third party to join the ongoing lawsuit by the permission of the judge who gives such allowance on the basis of the facts provided which indicates that this third party has the same interest as the first two parties.

History and Meaning of Intervention

Intervention is a legal term that refers to the act of a third party entering into an ongoing lawsuit with the permission of a judge. The third party is allowed to join the lawsuit if they have a direct and substantial interest in the proceedings, and their involvement would help to resolve the dispute.

The origin of intervention can be traced back to ancient common law systems that permitted third parties to be added to a lawsuit if their interests were at stake. Over time, the rules governing intervention have evolved and been codified in various legal systems around the world.

Examples of Intervention

Here are a few examples of how intervention can be used in different contexts:

  • In a divorce case, a grandparent may request to intervene in the proceedings to seek visitation rights with their grandchildren.
  • In an environmental law lawsuit, a non-profit organization may seek to intervene to represent the interests of the affected community.
  • In a class-action lawsuit against a corporation, individual members of the public may seek to intervene to add their claims to the lawsuit.
  • In a child custody case, a family member may seek to intervene to argue that they are better suited to care for the child than either of the parents.

Legal Terms Similar to Intervention

Here are a few legal terms that are similar to intervention:

  • Amicus curiae: A third party that is not directly involved in a lawsuit but seeks to provide information or perspective to the court.
  • Joinder: The act of adding a party to an ongoing lawsuit.
  • Interpleader: A lawsuit where a third party is allowed to deposit money or property with the court to resolve a dispute between other parties.