Glossary: P

Petition

A document that starts a lawsuit or a court matter such as an adoption or a bankruptcy.

Plaintiff

A person or business that files a formal complaint, lawsuit, or petition with the court.

Pleadings

Written statements filed with the court that describe a party’s legal or factual claims about the case.

Power of Attorney

A legal document that gives someone the authority to make decisions for another person.

Pro Bono

Latin term meaning “for the public good.” When a lawyer agrees to take all or a portion of a case at no cost to the client and collects no fee from any other source. Volunteer attorneys provide pro bono help to Legal Aid clients.

Pro Se

(also see self-represented litigant) Latin term meaning “on one’s own behalf.” When a person handles their own case, whether as a plaintiff or defendant.

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