ex parte

Definition

A proceeding brought by one party without notice to or contest by the other, Latin for 'from one side.' Judges view these with suspicion since hearing only one side is how you get terrible decisions.

Example Usage

The attorney obtained an ex parte temporary restraining order at midnight, before the defendant even knew a lawsuit existed.

Origin

Latin meaning 'from/on one side'

Fun Fact

Ex parte communications between a judge and one party's lawyer are generally prohibited and can result in sanctions or case dismissal.

Source: Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and judicial ethics codes

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