Stop Misusing Courtroom Terms: What They Really Mean
MANY people leave courtrooms repeating legal phrases without truly understanding them. While courtroom language often sounds simple, its actual meanings can be very different from common assumptions. Misinterpreting these terms can create confusion and unnecessary panic. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly misunderstood courtroom terms and what they really mean.
1. “Matter Struck Out”
When a case is struck out, it does not mean it is over. Instead, the court temporarily removes the case from its schedule. This could happen due to:
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Filing errors
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Parties not being ready
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Jurisdictional issues
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Technical mistakes
The key point: a struck-out matter can be re-filed. It’s paused, not dead.
2. “Case Dismissed”
A dismissal is final. When the court dismisses a case, it declares that:
“There is no merit here. This matter should not return.”
A dismissed case cannot be refiled, except if the decision is successfully appealed.
Remember:
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Dismissed = Gone forever
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Struck out = Can return
3. “Granted as Prayed”
When a motion or application is granted as prayed, the court has approved exactly what was requested—no changes, reductions, or additions. The lawyer’s request has fully succeeded.
4. “Adjournment Sine Die”
“Sine Die” literally means without a fixed date. The court is suspending the matter indefinitely—not today, not next week, not next month. Unlike a struck-out or dismissed case, it is simply on hold until the court decides otherwise.
5. “Remand”
Remand is not a conviction, judgment, or punishment. It simply means a person is sent to a correctional facility temporarily while the case continues. Reasons include:
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Pending investigation
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Pending trial
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Pending ruling or arraignment
Remember:
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Remand = temporary holding
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Conviction = punishment
Many people mistakenly assume that remand equals a sentence. It does not.
6. “Adjourned”
An adjournment is not a cancellation of the case. It is simply a postponement. Reasons may include:
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Court’s busy schedule
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Absent witnesses
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Incomplete documents
The case remains active; only the hearing date shifts.
The Bottom Line
Courtroom language carries weight. One misunderstood phrase can completely change the meaning of a proceeding. By understanding these terms—struck out, dismissed, remanded, adjourned, and sine die—you can follow legal matters confidently, avoid confusion, and speak accurately about your case.
