Legal Definitions - prayer

In legal contexts, a "prayer" refers to the formal section found at the conclusion of a legal document, such as a complaint or petition, where a party explicitly states what they are asking the court to grant. It is a precise list of the judgments, remedies, or compensation the filing party seeks from the court.

This section is crucial because it clearly informs the judge and the opposing party about the desired outcome, whether it involves financial awards, specific actions, or other forms of legal relief. The court's final decision, especially in cases where the opposing party fails to respond to the lawsuit, often directly references the requests made in the prayer.

• Example 1: Personal Injury Lawsuit

  Imagine a pedestrian who was hit by a car while crossing the street and suffered serious injuries. When they file a lawsuit against the driver, the "prayer" section of their complaint would detail specific requests. These might include reimbursement for all medical expenses incurred, compensation for lost wages due to being unable to work, and damages for the pain and suffering experienced as a result of the accident.

  This illustrates the prayer as a specific, itemized list of financial and non-financial remedies the injured pedestrian is asking the court to award to compensate them for their losses.

• Example 2: Breach of Contract Case

  Consider a small business that contracted with a software developer to create a custom application, but the developer failed to deliver the finished product by the agreed deadline, causing significant operational disruptions and financial losses for the business. The business's lawsuit might include a "prayer" asking the court to order the developer to complete the software as per the contract (known as "specific performance") and also to pay for the financial losses, such as lost profits and additional costs incurred due to the delay.

  Here, the prayer demonstrates a request for both a specific action (contract fulfillment) and monetary damages, clearly outlining the dual relief the business seeks from the court.

• Example 3: Property Dispute

  Suppose two neighbors are in a dispute over the exact boundary line between their properties, with one neighbor having built a shed that clearly extends onto the other's land. The neighbor whose land has been encroached upon might file a complaint with a "prayer" asking the court to declare the correct boundary line, order the removal of the encroaching shed, and potentially award damages for any harm or inconvenience caused by the trespass.

  This example shows the prayer being used to request a judicial declaration (of the boundary), a mandatory injunction (shed removal), and potential financial compensation, all aimed at resolving the property conflict.