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bar definition - legal

n

A legal obstacle or barrier that prevents or destroys a legal action or claim, especially one that prevents the relitigation of an issue or the formation of a valid contract. See also double jeopardy, estoppel, merger, plea, and res judicata.

v

To prevent, prohibit, or act as a bar to.

n

In bar. As a bar to an action. For example, if a defendant in a criminal action was acquitted earlier of the same charges that he is now accused, he may plead double jeopardy in bar.

adj

At bar. Now before the court. For example, an action that is before the court may be referred to as the case at bar.

n

The legal profession in general.

n

A group of attorneys admitted to practice law in a particular jurisdiction or before a particular court or who practice in a common field or area of expertise in the law.

n

The railing in a courtroom that separates the area used by the judge, lawyers, and court personnel to conduct judicial business from the seating provided for observers. See also bench.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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