Legal Definitions - full copy

Full Copy

In legal practice, particularly in courts that focus on equitable remedies (seeking fair solutions rather than just monetary compensation), a full copy refers to a complete and exact reproduction of a formal document filed with the court.

This comprehensive reproduction includes:

• The entire text of the main legal document itself (such as a complaint, petition, or answer).
• All official markings, stamps, signatures, or notes added to the document by the court clerk or other parties (known as "indorsements").
• Copies of all supporting documents, evidence, or attachments (referred to as "exhibits") that were originally submitted with the main document.

Essentially, a full copy provides a perfect snapshot of a specific filing as it exists in the court's official record, including every detail and attachment.

Here are some examples:

• Example 1: A Contract Dispute

  Imagine two businesses are involved in a lawsuit over a broken contract. The plaintiff company files a "Complaint" with the court, outlining why they believe the contract was breached. A full copy of this filing would include not only the entire text of the Complaint but also the court clerk's official date stamp indicating when it was received, the judge's signature if any preliminary orders were made on the document, and all attached exhibits, such as the original contract itself, relevant emails, or financial statements.

  This illustrates a full copy because it encompasses every part of the original court submission: the main pleading, the official court markings, and all supporting evidence.

• Example 2: A Request for a Protective Order

  Suppose an individual seeks a protective order from the court. They file a "Petition" explaining the need for protection and attaching sworn statements (affidavits) from witnesses. A lawyer representing the other party might request a full copy of this filing. This would provide them with the complete Petition, any official court seals or filing numbers, and every single affidavit or piece of evidence that was submitted with the Petition, ensuring they have the entire context of the request.

  This example demonstrates a full copy by showing how it includes the primary legal request, all administrative details added by the court, and all supplementary documents presented as evidence.

• Example 3: A Real Estate Transaction Gone Wrong

  Consider a situation where a buyer sues a seller to force them to complete a property sale, a type of equitable remedy called "specific performance." The buyer's attorney files a "Complaint for Specific Performance." A full copy of this document would include the entire written complaint, the court's official "filed" stamp with the date and time, and crucially, copies of all exhibits attached, such as the signed purchase agreement, any addendums, and correspondence between the parties related to the sale.

  This highlights a full copy as it provides an exhaustive reproduction of the initial court filing, including the core legal argument, official court endorsements, and all evidentiary attachments.