Legal Definitions - instant

In legal language, the term instant refers to the specific case, document, or matter that is currently being discussed, reviewed, or decided upon. It serves as a formal way to indicate "this particular one" or "the present one" in a legal context, distinguishing it from other similar matters.

Here are some examples illustrating its use:

• Example 1: In a Courtroom Setting

  Imagine a judge presiding over a trial. They might state, "The court will now hear arguments regarding the admissibility of evidence in the instant case."

  Explanation: Here, "instant case" refers specifically to the trial that is currently before the judge and actively being heard, distinguishing it from any other cases the judge might have on their docket or have presided over previously.

• Example 2: In a Legal Document or Brief

  A lawyer drafting a legal brief might write, "Based on the precedents cited, the plaintiff's request for summary judgment in the instantmotion should be denied."

  Explanation: In this context, "instant motion" refers to the specific motion for summary judgment that the lawyer is currently addressing and arguing against within the very brief they are writing, rather than a general concept of summary judgment or a motion in a different case.

• Example 3: During Contract Negotiations

  During a meeting where two parties and their lawyers are finalizing a business contract, one lawyer might say, "While we agree on the general principles, the language in clause 7.2 of the instant agreement requires further revision."

  Explanation: "Instant agreement" points directly to the specific contract document that is presently being reviewed, negotiated, and amended by the parties in that meeting, not a template contract or a different agreement they might have worked on previously.