An adverse party, in legal terms, refers to a party who has opposing interests or positions in a legal proceeding or dispute. This party typically holds a position contrary to the interests of another party involved in the same legal matter. Adverse parties may be plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation, petitioners and respondents in administrative proceedings, or prosecutors and defendants in criminal cases. The adversarial nature of legal proceedings means that adverse parties advocate for their respective positions, present evidence, and make arguments to support their claims or defences. Adverse parties may have conflicting goals or seek different outcomes from the legal proceedings, leading to contested litigation and adversarial advocacy. The concept of adverse parties underscores the adversarial process inherent in legal disputes, where each party advocates for their own interests under the supervision of impartial adjudicators, such as judges or juries.
n. the opposite side in a lawsuit. Sometimes when there are numerous parties and cross-complaints, parties may be adverse to each other on some issues and in agreement on other matters. Two beneficiaries of a person who has died may join together to claim a will was valid, but fight each other over the assets of the dead person’s estate if the court rules the will was legal.
Adverse Party: noun 1. In legal terms, an adverse party refers to an individual or entity that is opposed to another party in a legal dispute, lawsuit, or legal proceeding. The adverse party is typically the opposing side or the party against whom a claim or complaint is filed. 2. In the context of contracts or agreements, an adverse party is a party that has conflicting interests or objectives with another party. This term is often used to describe a party that may be negatively affected or disadvantaged by the actions or decisions of another party. 3. In insurance, an adverse party is an individual or entity that is making a claim against an insured party. The adverse party is seeking compensation or damages for an alleged loss or injury caused by the insured party. Overall, an adverse party is someone who is in opposition to another party, either in a legal dispute, contractual agreement, or insurance claim, and has conflicting interests or objectives.
An adverse party refers to a party in a legal proceeding who is opposed to the interests of another party. In a civil lawsuit, the adverse party is typically the defendant, as they are being sued by the plaintiff. In criminal cases, the adverse party is the accused, as they are being prosecuted by the government. The adverse party is responsible for presenting their own evidence and arguments to counter the claims made by the opposing party. It is the duty of the court to ensure a fair and impartial hearing for both parties, allowing each side to present their case and challenge the arguments of the adverse party.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
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