ex parte

A lawyer files an ex parte motion with the court.

Definition

1. Adjective (legal term):

   • Done for, on behalf of, or involving only one party to a legal proceeding: "ex parte" describes a legal action, decision, or communication that occurs without the presence or participation of the other side.
   • One-sided: In a broader sense, it can refer to any action taken in the interest of only one party.

2. Adverb (legal term):

   • In a manner that involves only one party: "ex parte" is used to describe how a legal proceeding or application is conducted, i.e., without notice to or representation of the other party.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The judge granted an ex parte order to prevent the company from selling its assets. (A court order issued based only on one side's request, without hearing the other side.)
  • The lawyer filed an ex parte motion to obtain a temporary restraining order. (A legal request made without the opposing party being present.)

• Adverb:

  • The application was heard ex parte, meaning the defendant was not notified. (The court considered the request without the other side's knowledge or input.)
  • He met with the judge ex parte to discuss the case, which is generally prohibited. (A private meeting between one party and the judge, outside the presence of the other party.)

Advanced Usage

• "ex parte communication": an improper or unauthorized contact between one party and a judge or decision-maker without the other party's knowledge.

  • The lawyer was reprimanded for an ex parte communication with the judge. (A private conversation that could bias the decision.)

• "ex parte proceeding": a legal hearing or process where only one side is present.

  • In urgent situations, an ex parte proceeding may be allowed to issue a protective order. (A hearing held without the other party.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ex parte is a Latin phrase used directly in legal English; it has no common English variants.
• Ex parte order (n): a court order issued based on one party's request.
  • The ex parte order was later reviewed in a full hearing. (A temporary order that can be challenged later.)

Synonyms

• One-sided (adj): involving only one party or perspective.

  • The decision was one-sided because only the plaintiff was heard. (Similar to "ex parte" in its one-sided nature.)

• Unilateral (adj): done by or affecting only one person or group.

  • The company made a unilateral decision, without consulting its partners. (Broader synonym, not exclusively legal.)

Related Idioms

• "Behind closed doors": in private, without public or other party involvement.

  • The settlement was negotiated behind closed doors, excluding the other side. (Similar secrecy to ex parte actions.)

• "Without notice": legal term meaning without informing the other party.

  • The court issued the order without notice to the defendant. (Equivalent to an ex parte action.)