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Law vocabulary · Judgments, Appeals & Remedies

Dismiss

Meaning in law, with examples

/dɪsˈmɪs/verbCommon term

In law, dismiss means: To reject a case, claim or appeal so that it does not go any further; also to end someone's employment.

In Turkish: reddetmek, düşürmek, işten çıkarmak

How it is used

Courts dismiss claims, appeals and applications. In US practice a 'motion to dismiss' asks the court to end a case at an early stage. In the UK 'the appeal was dismissed' means the appellant lost. In employment law 'dismiss' means to fire someone.

Example sentences

  1. The judge dismissed the claim because it was brought too late.

  2. If the court dismisses our appeal, the costs order will stand.

Common collocations

  • dismiss a claim
  • dismiss an appeal
  • motion to dismiss
  • dismissed with costs
  • unfairly dismissed
  • motionA formal request to a judge, made in writing or orally during a case, asking the court to make a particular order or decision.
  • appealTo ask a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court; also used as a noun for this request.
  • rulingAn official decision made by a judge or court on a particular question, such as whether evidence can be used or whether a claim can continue.
  • judgmentThe final decision of a court in a case, together with the reasons the judge gives for it; also the written document that contains this decision.
  • overturnTo officially cancel or reverse a decision of a lower court, so that it no longer has any effect.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Judgments, Appeals & Remedies

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.