Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: DESIST
Definition: Desist means to stop doing something. It is like when a teacher tells a student to stop talking in class. When a court or agency issues a cease-and-desist order, it is telling someone to stop doing a particular thing. This is like when a parent tells a child to stop jumping on the bed. It is important to follow a cease-and-desist order because if you don't, you may face consequences like an injunction or restraining order.
Definition: To stop or leave off.
Example: The police officer ordered the suspect to desist from running away.
Explanation: In this example, the word "desist" is used to mean that the police officer ordered the suspect to stop running away. The suspect was engaged in a particular course of conduct (running away), and the police officer used the word "desist" to command the suspect to stop that conduct.
Related term: CEASE-AND-DESIST ORDER
Definition: A court's or agency's order prohibiting a person from continuing a particular course of conduct.
Example: The company received a cease-and-desist order from the government, which required them to stop selling their product until they complied with safety regulations.
Explanation: In this example, the government issued a cease-and-desist order to the company, which required them to stop selling their product until they complied with safety regulations. The order prohibited the company from continuing a particular course of conduct (selling their product) until they met certain requirements.