Legal Definitions - N.P.

The abbreviation N.P. has two distinct meanings in a legal context:

• 1. NISI PRIUS

  Nisi Prius refers to a trial held at the initial court level, typically before a single judge and often a jury, in the local jurisdiction where the legal dispute originated. It distinguishes these first-instance trials, where facts are presented and a verdict or judgment is rendered, from appellate proceedings, which review decisions made at the Nisi Prius stage.

  • Example 1: Civil Lawsuit

    A local business sues a former employee for breach of a non-compete agreement. The case proceeds to a trial in the county's civil court, where both sides present evidence, call witnesses, and a judge or jury makes a decision based on the facts. This initial trial, where the case is heard for the first time, is a Nisi Prius proceeding.

  • Example 2: Criminal Trial

    A person accused of a misdemeanor, such as petty theft, faces a trial in the municipal or district court of the town where the alleged crime occurred. During this trial, the prosecution presents its case, the defense offers its arguments, and a judge or jury determines guilt or innocence. This first hearing of the facts and presentation of evidence before a judge or jury constitutes a Nisi Prius trial.

• 2. NOTARY PUBLIC

  A Notary Public is a public official authorized by the state to witness signatures on important documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and certify copies of documents. Their primary role is to deter fraud by verifying the identity of the signers and ensuring they sign willingly and knowingly. The notary's official seal and signature attest to the authenticity of the signature on a document.

  • Example 1: Real Estate Transactions

    When a couple purchases a new home, they must sign numerous critical documents, including the deed and mortgage agreement. A Notary Public will verify their identities using government-issued identification, witness their signatures, and then affix their official seal and signature. This notarization confirms the authenticity of the signatures on these legally binding property documents.

  • Example 2: Sworn Statements (Affidavits)

    A witness providing a sworn statement (an affidavit) for a court case must sign the document in front of a Notary Public. The Notary administers an oath or affirmation, ensuring the witness attests to the truthfulness of their statement under penalty of perjury, and then notarizes the document to confirm the oath was properly taken and the signature is authentic.

  • Example 3: International Travel Consent

    A single parent needs to provide a consent form for their minor child to travel internationally with a grandparent. To ensure the form is legally recognized by border authorities and to prevent child abduction, the parent's signature on the consent form is often required to be notarized by a Notary Public, verifying the parent's identity and consent.