Legal Definitions - submitted

When a legal matter is described as submitted, it means that all parties involved have presented their complete arguments, evidence, and information to the court. At this point, the judge or judicial officer has everything they need to make a decision, and no further input or discussion from the parties is permitted. The case or motion is now entirely in the hands of the court for deliberation and a ruling.

Here are a few examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: A Small Claims Dispute

  Imagine a dispute in small claims court where a homeowner is suing a contractor for incomplete work. Both the homeowner and the contractor present their receipts, photographs, and testimonies to the judge. After both sides have spoken, answered the judge's questions, and made their final statements, the judge declares, "The case is submitted." This means the judge has heard all the evidence and arguments and will now review the information to make a final decision on the matter.

• Example 2: A Motion Hearing in a Civil Case

  In a complex business lawsuit, one company files a "motion for summary judgment," arguing that there are no facts in dispute and the case should be decided based on law alone. Both legal teams submit extensive written arguments and then appear before a judge to present their oral arguments. Once both attorneys have finished their presentations and responded to the judge's inquiries, the judge might say, "Thank you, counsel. The motion is submitted." This signifies that the judge will now consider all the legal arguments and evidence presented to decide whether to grant or deny the motion, without further input from the parties.

• Example 3: A Family Law Proceeding

  During a divorce proceeding, a couple cannot agree on the custody arrangement for their children. After several court sessions where parents, experts, and attorneys have presented evidence, testimony, and final arguments regarding the children's best interests, the judge states, "This custody matter is now submitted." This indicates that the judge has received all necessary information and will now issue a ruling on the custody arrangement, bringing that specific part of the divorce proceedings to a close.