Legal Definitions - application

An application, in a legal sense, refers to a formal written or spoken request made to a court, government agency, or other authoritative body. This request typically seeks a specific action, decision, permission, or benefit from that authority.

• Example 1: Requesting a Court Order
  A lawyer representing a client in a civil lawsuit might file an application with the court to compel the opposing party to produce certain documents. This is a formal request to the court, asking it to issue a specific order (a command) that requires the other side to take a particular action.

• Example 2: Seeking a Professional License
  After completing their medical training, an aspiring doctor must submit an application to the state's medical licensing board. This formal request provides all necessary credentials and information, asking the board to grant them the legal authority to practice medicine within that state.

• Example 3: Applying for a Zoning Variance
  A homeowner who wishes to build an addition that slightly exceeds the allowed setback from their property line might submit an application for a zoning variance to their local planning commission. This is a formal petition asking the commission to grant an exception to the standard zoning rules, allowing their specific construction plan to proceed.