Legal Definitions - Seriatim

Seriatim describes actions or statements that occur in a sequence, one after the other, rather than simultaneously or collectively. In a legal context, it refers to individual contributions, considerations, or presentations made in an ordered succession.

Here are some examples of how "seriatim" applies in legal situations:

• Witness Testimony in a Trial: During a criminal trial, the prosecution or defense will call their witnesses to the stand seriatim. This means that each witness provides their complete testimony, including direct examination and cross-examination, before the next witness is called to testify. This structured approach ensures an orderly presentation of evidence and allows the jury to process each individual's account separately.

• Court's Review of Legal Issues: When a court is faced with a complex case involving several distinct legal questions or claims, the judges might choose to address these questions seriatim. This means they will analyze and rule on each legal point individually and in sequence, rather than attempting to resolve all issues at once. This methodical approach helps ensure a thorough and focused consideration of each aspect of the law.

• Presentation of Arguments in an Appellate Hearing: In an appellate court, attorneys often present arguments regarding multiple distinct errors they allege occurred in the lower court. The appellate judges may instruct the attorneys to present their arguments seriatim, meaning they should address each alleged error one by one. This allows the judges to concentrate on and fully understand each specific point of contention before moving to the next argument.