66. file

What is a File in Legal Terms?

In the legal context, "file" refers to the act of submitting a document to a court or legal authority or a collection of legal documents related to a case or transaction.

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Common Uses of "File" in Law

1. Filing a Lawsuit – Officially submitting a legal complaint to initiate a case.

2. Court Filings – Submitting motions, pleadings, evidence, or other documents required during a case.

3. Filing a Contract – Keeping an official record of agreements between parties.

4. Filing an Appeal – Submitting a request for a higher court to review a lower court’s decision.

5. Legal Case File – A collection of documents related to a specific legal matter.

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Examples of Legal Filings

✔ Criminal Cases – Charges, evidence, and sentencing documents are filed. ✔ Civil Cases – Complaints, responses, and court motions are filed. ✔ Government & Administrative Filings – Businesses file taxes, trademarks, or regulatory documents.

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Electronic vs. Physical Filing

Type	Description
Physical Filing	Hard copies of documents submitted in person to a court or office.
Electronic Filing (E-Filing)	Digital submission of legal documents via an online system. Many courts require e-filing.

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Why Filing is Important

• Ensures official recognition of legal actions.

• Creates a legal record that courts and authorities can reference.

• Establishes timelines for legal proceedings.

Proper filing is critical in legal processes, as missing deadlines or incorrect submissions can impact a case's outcome.

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Reference

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1. FindLaw – File

• URL: https://dictionary.findlaw.com/definition/file.html

• Explanation: Defines "file" as the act of submitting a legal document to the proper office, such as the office of a clerk of court, for keeping on file among the records.

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2. Law.com – File

• URL: https://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=747

• Explanation: Describes "file" as the master folder of a lawsuit kept by the clerk of the court, including all legal pleadings filed by both sides.

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3. Legal Dictionary – File

• URL: https://www.legalbriefai.com/legal-terms/file

• Explanation: Explains that to "file" a document means to officially submit it to a court or government office, making it part of the public record.

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4. Law Insider – Legal File

• URL: https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/legal-file

• Explanation: Defines "legal file" as all pleadings, motions, minute entries, orders, or other documents as the court may order.

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5. LSData – File

• URL: https://www.lsd.law/define/file

• Explanation: Describes a file as a collection of information or data stored on a computer, or an official record of a case or a portion of a lawyer's case record.

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