Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Security for Costs: When someone takes legal action, they may be required to give money, property, or a bond to the court as a guarantee that they will pay the costs of the case if they lose. This is called security for costs.
Definition: Security for costs refers to money, property, or a bond that a plaintiff or an appellant provides to a court to ensure that they can pay the court costs if they lose the case.
Example: Let's say that John is suing a company for breach of contract. The company believes that John may not be able to pay the court costs if he loses the case. Therefore, the company may ask the court to order John to provide security for costs. John would then have to provide the court with a sum of money or a bond to ensure that he can pay the court costs if he loses the case.
Another example: Sarah is appealing a decision made by a lower court. The respondent in the case believes that Sarah may not be able to pay the court costs if she loses the appeal. Therefore, the respondent may ask the court to order Sarah to provide security for costs. Sarah would then have to provide the court with a sum of money or a bond to ensure that she can pay the court costs if she loses the appeal.
Explanation: Security for costs is a way for the court to ensure that the party bringing the case or appeal can pay the court costs if they lose. This is important because court costs can be expensive, and if a party cannot pay them, it can cause problems for the court and the other party. By requiring security for costs, the court can ensure that the party bringing the case or appeal is financially responsible and can pay the costs if necessary.