Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Meet and Confer: When people have a problem and want to go to court, some places make them talk to each other first. They have to try to work things out without going to court. They might talk about what they disagree on, how they could solve the problem, or how they will share information. This is called "meet and confer." It helps save time and money and makes things easier for the judge.
Definition: Meet and Confer is a requirement in some legal cases where parties involved in a lawsuit must meet and discuss various matters in an attempt to resolve disputes without going to court. This process is usually required by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and it may involve discussing the nature and basis of claims and defenses, possibilities of settling or resolving the case, or discovery issues such as preserving discoverable information or developing a discovery plan. The purpose of Meet and Confer is to save time and money for the parties involved and increase judicial economy by encouraging them to resolve their disputes without court intervention.
Example: In a personal injury case, the plaintiff may file a lawsuit against the defendant for damages caused by a car accident. Before the case goes to trial, the court may require the parties to meet and confer to discuss the possibility of settling the case out of court. During this meeting, the parties may discuss the amount of compensation the plaintiff is seeking, the evidence that will be presented at trial, and any other relevant issues. If the parties are able to reach an agreement, they can avoid the time and expense of going to trial.
Explanation: This example illustrates how Meet and Confer can be used to resolve a legal dispute without going to court. By discussing the case and attempting to reach an agreement, the parties can save time and money and avoid the uncertainty of a trial. This process is often required by the court to encourage parties to resolve their disputes in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.