Legal Definitions - not in order

In a legal or procedural context, the phrase "not in order" (or often, "out of order") means that something is irregular, improper, or does not conform to the established rules, procedures, or protocols. It indicates a deviation from the correct or acceptable way of doing things, often requiring correction, rejection, or a ruling by an authority figure.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Court Filing: A paralegal submits a legal brief to the court on behalf of their attorney, but they inadvertently forget to include a mandatory cover sheet or the required number of copies as specified by local court rules. The court clerk might inform the attorney that the filing is "not in order" because it fails to meet the procedural requirements. This means the document cannot be officially accepted until the missing components are provided, ensuring all submissions adhere to the court's established guidelines.

• Legislative Debate: During a parliamentary session, a member of a legislative body attempts to introduce a new amendment to a bill that is completely unrelated to the current topic under discussion, or they try to speak without being recognized by the presiding officer. The presiding officer might declare the amendment or the member's interjection "out of order." This ruling signifies that the action violates the established rules of debate and procedure, maintaining the decorum and structured flow of the legislative process.

• Evidence Presentation: In a criminal trial, a prosecutor tries to present a witness's testimony about what someone else told them, without that "someone else" being available for cross-examination. The defense attorney objects, arguing it is inadmissible hearsay. The judge might sustain the objection, ruling the testimony "not in order" as evidence. This means the testimony cannot be admitted because it violates the rules of evidence designed to ensure reliability and fairness in legal proceedings.