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Law vocabulary · Lawsuits & Procedure

Hearing

Meaning in law, with examples

/ˈhɪərɪŋ/nounCore term

In law, hearing means: A meeting of a court or tribunal where the parties or their lawyers present arguments or evidence on a particular issue.

In Turkish: duruşma, oturum

How it is used

Wider than 'trial': there are preliminary hearings, case management hearings, appeal hearings and so on. A hearing is 'listed', 'held' or 'adjourned'; lawyers 'attend' or 'appear at' it.

Example sentences

  1. The hearing has been adjourned until 14 March because the judge is ill.

  2. I have a short hearing at nine, so I'll join the call afterwards.

Common collocations

  • attend a hearing
  • hearing date
  • preliminary hearing
  • adjourn a hearing
  • oral hearing
  • trialThe formal process in court where evidence is presented and a judge or jury decides the case, usually after weeks or months of preparation.
  • courtA place or institution where judges hear legal disputes and decide them according to the law; the word can also mean the judges themselves.
  • proceedingsThe formal steps of a legal case, from the moment it is started until it is finished; the legal process as a whole.
  • judgeA public official who runs a court hearing, listens to both sides and decides the case, or tells the jury how the law applies.

More terms: Lawsuits & Procedure

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