Appears

/əˈpɪərz/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To be present or come into view in a legal context, such as when a party appears in court.
    The defendant appears before the judge for the preliminary hearing.
  2. (v.) To make a formal appearance in a legal proceeding, indicating participation or representation.
    The attorney appears on behalf of the client in the lawsuit.

Forms

  • appear
  • appeared
  • appearing

Commentary

In legal drafting, distinguish between physical presence and formal participation meaning; 'appears' most commonly refers to the procedural act of showing up before a court or tribunal.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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