Legal Definitions - ad respondendum

Ad respondendum is a Latin phrase meaning "to answer." In legal terms, it refers to the requirement for an individual or entity to appear in court or formally respond to a legal demand, charge, or question. It signifies the obligation to provide a reply, defense, or testimony in a legal proceeding.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of ad respondendum:

• Example 1: Responding to a Criminal Charge

  Imagine a person is accused of a traffic violation, such as speeding. They receive a citation or a summons requiring them to appear in court on a specific date. This appearance is ad respondendum – they are required to come before the court to answer the charge of speeding, either by pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

  This illustrates ad respondendum because the individual must formally address the accusation made against them by the state, providing their response to the alleged offense.

• Example 2: Answering a Civil Lawsuit

  Consider a small business that is sued by a client for breach of contract. Upon receiving the lawsuit (which typically includes a summons and a complaint), the business has a legal obligation to file a formal written response with the court within a set period. This response, often called an "answer," addresses each allegation made in the complaint, admitting or denying them, and potentially raising legal defenses.

  This demonstrates ad respondendum because the business is legally compelled to "answer" the claims and demands presented in the client's lawsuit, outlining its position and defense.

• Example 3: Testifying as a Witness

  Suppose a person witnessed an accident and later receives a subpoena to appear in court to give testimony during the trial. The subpoena compels their presence and requires them to answer questions posed by the attorneys and the judge under oath.

  This exemplifies ad respondendum because the witness is legally required to appear and "answer" questions truthfully, providing information relevant to the case.