Understanding the Legal Definition of Pending
What Does Pending Mean in Legal Terms?
In the realm of law, the term pending refers to a situation where a legal matter, such as a lawsuit or a legal action, has been initiated but is yet to be resolved or concluded. It signifies that the case is still ongoing and has not reached a final decision. When a legal matter is pending, it means that the parties involved are still in the process of presenting their arguments, gathering evidence, and awaiting a judgment or verdict from the court.
Examples of Pending Cases
To better understand the concept of pending cases, let’s consider a few examples. Imagine a scenario where a business owner is involved in a contract dispute with a supplier. If the business owner decides to file a lawsuit against the supplier, the case would be considered pending from the moment it is filed until a judgment is reached. During this period, both parties would present their evidence, arguments, and legal defenses to support their respective positions. The case would remain pending until the court makes a final decision, either by dismissing the case, reaching a settlement, or issuing a judgment.
Another example could be a criminal case where an individual is charged with a crime. From the moment the charges are filed, the case would be considered pending until the trial concludes and a verdict is reached. Throughout this period, the prosecution and defense would present their evidence, question witnesses, and make legal arguments. The case would only cease to be pending once the court delivers a final judgment, determining the defendant’s guilt or innocence.
The Importance of Understanding Pending Cases
As a business owner, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the legal definition of pending and its implications. Knowing whether a case is pending or not can help you make informed decisions regarding your business operations, contracts, and legal strategies. It allows you to assess the potential risks and uncertainties associated with ongoing legal matters and plan accordingly.
By staying informed about pending cases, you can also manage your expectations and timelines. Legal proceedings can often be lengthy and complex, and understanding that a case is pending helps you recognize that a resolution may not be immediate. This knowledge can help you avoid unnecessary stress and frustration, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business while the legal process unfolds.
In summary, the term pending in legal terms refers to a case or legal matter that has been initiated but is yet to be resolved or concluded. It signifies that the matter is still ongoing and awaiting a final decision from the court. Understanding the concept of pending cases is essential for business owners as it enables them to make informed decisions, manage expectations, and navigate the legal landscape more effectively. By staying informed and seeking professional legal advice when necessary, you can ensure that you are well-prepared to handle any pending legal matters that may arise in your business
FAQs
In summary, the term pending in legal terms refers to a case or legal matter that has been initiated but is yet to be resolved or concluded. It signifies that the matter is still ongoing and awaiting a final decision from the court.
What does "pending legal action" mean? ›
PENDING ACTION Definition & Legal Meaning
Action that has not been taken as yet while the case lies in court, to be heard at a future date. It is also known as a pending lawsuit.
What is the meaning of pending process? ›
adjective. If something such as a legal procedure is pending, it is waiting to be dealt with or settled. [formal]
What does it mean if something is pending? ›
1. : not yet decided : being in continuance. the case is still pending.
What does deemed pending mean? ›
An action is deemed to be pending from the time of its commencement until its final determination upon appeal, or until the time for appeal has passed, unless the judgment is sooner satisfied.
What is the legal term pending? ›
Definition & Citations:
Begun, but not yet completed ; unsettled; undetermined ; in process of settlement or adjustment. Thus, an action or suit is said to be “pending” from its inception until the rendition of final judgment.
What defines pending decision? ›
Pending Decision means the allotted time for submitting [offers/bids/applications] has expired and review of those has commenced.
What is the actual meaning of pending? ›
adjective. remaining undecided; awaiting decision or settlement; unfinished: pending business; pending questions; pending litigation. about to take place; impending.
What does "pending processing" mean? ›
A pending transaction is an approved debit or credit to your bank account or credit card that hasn't been processed yet. Essentially, the money is still in transition from one bank to another. Pending transactions may include: Bank account deposits made by check, cash or direct deposit.
Does pending mean approved? ›
A pending transaction is a credit card transaction that is authorised but not yet processed. Your bank has approved the charge, but the transaction still needs to be processed by the merchant.
A pending credit card transaction is a purchase or charge that hasn't been fully processed. This happens when the credit card issuer has confirmed that you have the available balance to pay for the purchase but has not fully processed it yet.
Can I spend money that is pending? ›
Until it processes, a pending transaction could put a hold on an account balance or credit limit. That doesn't necessarily mean you can't use your credit card or bank account. But it can affect your available balance—or the funds you're able to access.
What is the meaning of pending status? ›
Pending — Open, not yet resolved, but the organization is waiting for information, approvals, results, decisions, documents, or similar results from a party outside the organization. Resolved — Completed, closed.
What does "pending agreement" mean? ›
What does it mean when a property is under agreement (pending)? The short answer is that when a property is under agreement (pending), the property has a signed, accepted offer. That is, there is a legally binding agreement between Buyer and Seller.
Does pending mean complete? ›
“Pending”: The seller hasn't accepted the payment yet. Some sellers wait until you receive the item before they accept the payment. “In Progress”: The seller accepted a partial payment amount. “Complete”: The seller accepted the entire payment amount.
What does it mean when a contract is pending? ›
A pending contract occurs when an offer presented by the buyer's agent to the listing agent is accepted. Once that offer has all parties' signatures then you have an "executed" or “pending” contract.
What happen if the case is pending? ›
In a pending case, the prosecutor(s) are still in the process of deciding what to do, and it's possible for charges to be maintained, added to, reduced, or discarded completely. Essentially, the court case is in limbo.
How long does a pending order last? ›
An order status can display as pending for up to 30 days. That is until it's expired, completed, or the seller voids it. There are several possible statuses: “Pending”: The seller hasn't accepted the payment yet.
What does pending notice of action mean? ›
A notice of pendency of action provides constructive notice to purchasers of real estate or encumbrancers of real property of any pending court actions affecting title to or possession of real property and allows those parties to find notice of pending litigation in the recorder's office in which the real property is ...
What does pending mean in an investigation? ›
Pending means that a prosecuting attorney is either actively investigating the factual basis of the alleged criminal conduct, is preparing to seek or is seeking an accusatory instrument, has obtained an accusatory instrument and is proceeding to trial or is in trial or in the process of negotiating a plea. [
