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Simple English definitions for legal terms
hand down
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A quick definition of hand down:
Term: HAND DOWN
Definition: When a judge or court makes a decision about a case, they can "hand down" their opinion. This means they announce what they think should happen in the case. It's like a teacher giving you a grade on your homework. The term "hand down" used to only apply to higher courts sending their opinions to lower courts, but now it can be used for any decision made by a court.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: To announce or file an opinion in a legal case.
Example 1: The Supreme Court handed down a ruling on the case, stating that the defendant was guilty.
Example 2: The judge will hand down his decision on the matter next week.
When a court hands down a decision, it means that they have made a final ruling on a legal case. This can happen at any level of the court system, from the Supreme Court to a local district court. The decision is usually announced in writing and becomes the final outcome of the case.