Legal Definitions - NARR

NARR is an abbreviation for NARRATIO.

In legal contexts, narratio refers to the factual statement or narrative portion of a legal pleading, such as a complaint or petition. It is the section where the plaintiff (the person bringing the lawsuit) sets out the essential facts and circumstances that form the basis of their claim against the defendant (the person being sued). This part of the document tells the "story" of what happened, explaining the events, actions, and injuries that led to the legal dispute, without yet delving into the specific legal arguments or requests for relief.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of narratio:

• Example 1: Personal Injury Lawsuit

  Imagine a lawsuit filed after a car accident. The narratio section of the complaint would describe:

  • The date, time, and location of the accident.
  • How the defendant's vehicle allegedly struck the plaintiff's vehicle (e.g., "Defendant ran a red light and collided with Plaintiff's car").
  • The specific injuries the plaintiff sustained as a result (e.g., "Plaintiff suffered a broken arm, whiplash, and emotional distress").
  • Any property damage incurred (e.g., "Plaintiff's vehicle was totaled").

  This factual account, detailing the sequence of events and the resulting harm, constitutes the narratio, laying the groundwork for the legal claims that follow.

• Example 2: Breach of Contract Case

  Consider a business dispute where one company alleges another failed to uphold an agreement. The narratio in their complaint would outline:

  • The existence and key terms of the contract between the two parties (e.g., "On January 1, 2023, Plaintiff and Defendant entered into a written agreement for Defendant to supply 1,000 widgets per month").
  • The specific actions or inactions by the defendant that constitute the breach (e.g., "Defendant failed to deliver any widgets in March and April 2023, despite repeated demands").
  • The resulting damages suffered by the plaintiff due to the breach (e.g., "Plaintiff lost significant sales and incurred penalties from its own customers due to Defendant's failure to deliver").

  This section provides the factual background of the contractual relationship and the alleged failure to perform, forming the core narrative of the dispute.

• Example 3: Family Law Petition (Divorce)

  In a petition for divorce, the narratio would typically include:

  • The date and place of the marriage.
  • The names and birthdates of any minor children from the marriage.
  • A statement confirming the jurisdictional requirements are met (e.g., "The parties have resided in this state for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of this petition").
  • The grounds for divorce, if applicable (e.g., "The marriage has become irretrievably broken with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation").

  This factual information establishes the foundational elements of the marital relationship and the legal basis for seeking its dissolution, serving as the essential narrative for the court.