Glossary

This legal glossary is a basic guide to common legal terms. A lawyer is in the best position to advise you about your legal rights and responsibilities.

Different terms may have different meanings based on the specific area of law or the context in which they are being used. For legal terms not referred to in this glossary, or for more comprehensive definitions, you may wish to refer to a legal dictionary or to an internet resource.

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Claim

The assertion of a legal right.

Statement of Claim: The method of bringing an action by one person against another.
Counterclaim: An action brought by the defendant in an existing action against the plaintiff, which is usually tried with the plaintiff's claim.
Cross Claim: An action brought between co-defendants or co-plaintiffs in an existing action.
Third Party Claim: An action brought by the defendant in an existing action against another person, asserting that this third party is liable for some or all of the plaintiff's damages rather than the defendant.