1) n. a formal written request to a court for an order of the court. It is distinguished
from a complaint in a lawsuit which asks for damages and/or performance by the opposing
party. Petitions include demands for writs, orders to show cause, modifications
of prior orders, continuances, dismissal of a case, reduction of bail in criminal
cases, a decree of distribution of an estate, appointment of a guardian, and a host
of other matters arising in legal actions. 2) n. a general term for a writing signed
by a number of people asking for a particular result from a private governing body
(such as a homeowners association, a political party, or a club). 3) in public law,
a writing signed by a number of people which is required to place a proposition
or ordinance on the ballot, nominate a person for public office, or demand a recall
election. Such petitions for official action must be signed by a specified number
of registered voters (such as five percent). 4) v. to make a formal request of a
court; to present a written request to an organization's governing body signed by
one or more members. 5) n. a suit for divorce in some states, in which the parties
are called petitioner and respondent.
law dictionary, legal
dictionary, online law dictionary, legal terms dictionary,
online legal dictionary, legal definition, legal
terms and definition, Best online Dictionary, Law
Dictionary Software, Download Law Dictionary, law
dictionary, legal dictionary, online law dictionary,
legal terms dictionary, online legal dictionary,
legal definition, legal terms and definition, Best
online Dictionary, Law Dictionary Software, Download
Law Dictionary
