What does vexatiously mean in law?

Asked by: Anais Langosh  |  Last update: February 25, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (30 votes)

A "vexatious" claim or complaint is one being pressed specifically to cause harassment, annoyance, frustration, worry, or even bring financial cost (such as the engagement of a defence lawyer) to their defendant or respondent.

What is an example of vexatious?

Vexatious describes something that drives you crazy. The kid you're babysitting refusing to go to bed might be vexatious, for example. Something vexatious, pronounced "veks-AY-shus," is irritating or annoying, like an itch in the middle of your back that you can't reach, or a task that you need to do for work.

What qualifies as a vexatious litigant?

In the immediately preceding seven-year period has commenced, prosecuted, or maintained in propria persona at least five litigations other than in a small claims court that have been (i) finally determined adversely to the person or (ii) unjustifiably permitted to remain pending at least two years without having been ...

What is the meaning of the word vexatious?

difficult to deal with and causing a lot of anger, worry, or argument: This settlement will resolve one of the most vexatious problems in the field of industrial relations. Synonyms. annoying. bothersome old-fashioned.

How do you prove vexatious litigation?

For litigation to be considered “vexatious litigation,” one of the following must be true: The abuser has started or continued (maintained) at least five cases, other than small claims cases, in the past seven years without a lawyer (in propria persona) and either: the abuser lost all of the cases; or.

What Is A Vexatious Litigant?

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What is vexatious behavior?

Definition: When someone's behavior is annoying and harassing without any reasonable or probable cause or excuse. Examples: A neighbor who constantly complains about the smallest things, like the sound of your children playing, is being vexatious.

How do you defend yourself against a frivolous lawsuit?

If you believe someone has filed a frivolous lawsuit against you, take the following steps to protect your rights:
  1. Immediately file a motion to dismiss. ...
  2. Request that the plaintiff be ruled a vexatious litigant. ...
  3. File a countersuit.

What does the word vexation most likely mean?

: the quality or state of being vexed : irritation. 2. : a cause of trouble : affliction. 3. : the act of harassing or vexing : troubling.

What is an example of vexatious litigation?

Vexatious litigation is legal action which is brought solely to harass or subdue an adversary. It may take the form of a primary frivolous lawsuit or may be the repetitive, burdensome, and unwarranted filing of meritless motions in a matter which is otherwise a meritorious cause of action.

What is a synonym for vexatious?

galling, exasperating, vexing, irksome. in the sense of bothersome.

What is it called when someone sues you for no reason?

The official frivolous lawsuit meaning, according to the US Legal system is a legal claim that is filed by any entity or individual who is well aware that the lawsuit has no facts or basis to support it.

Can I counter sue for a frivolous lawsuit?

In legal terms, this is known as a “counterclaim” or “counter-assertion.” If the original lawsuit is deemed frivolous and lacks legal merit, the defendant may seek damages or other remedies through a counterclaim, asserting that the plaintiff's initial legal action was without proper legal basis, causing harm or ...

What is the most famous frivolous lawsuit?

Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants. The notorious McDonald's hot coffee case is often used as a shining example of a frivolous lawsuit.

How does someone become a vexatious litigant?

The courts can designate someone as a vexatious litigant if they have filed at least five unmerited lawsuits in a seven-year period. The court will also consider other factors such as whether the person has been declared a vexatious litigant in another state or federal court.

What is a personal vexation?

Definitions of vexation. noun. anger produced by some annoying irritation. synonyms: annoyance, chafe.

What are the characteristics of a frivolous person?

Frivolous is a character trait that describes someone who is lighthearted and carefree in their actions and decisions. A frivolous person tends to prioritize pleasure and entertainment over more serious matters, often at the expense of responsibilities or consequences.

What do you call someone who sues a lot?

of or relating to litigation. excessively or readily inclined to litigate: a litigious person.

How do you stop a vexatious litigant?

You can file a motion asking for an order dismissing the vexatious litigation or requiring the abuser to give a security payment to the court at any point in the case before the judge issues a final judgment. Your request for both of these remedies should be made in the same motion papers.

What does it mean to be vexatious?

adjective. causing vexation; troublesome; annoying: a vexatious situation. Synonyms: irksome, bothersome, irritating, provoking.

What is an example of a vexation?

the state of being vexed; vexed; irritation; annoyance: vexation at missing the bus. something that vexes; a cause of annoyance; nuisance: Rush-hour traffic is a daily vexation.

What does the Bible say about vexation?

We know Solomon was the wisest and richest king, but he said, “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Obviously, wealth and status, and other pleasures of the world cannot fill our hearts, but will make us feel more and more empty.

What does loquacious most likely mean?

talkative, loquacious, garrulous, voluble mean given to talk or talking. talkative may imply a readiness to engage in talk or a disposition to enjoy conversation. a talkative neighbor. loquacious suggests the power of expressing oneself articulately, fluently, or glibly. a loquacious spokesperson.

Can you counter sue someone for emotional distress?

In order to successfully counter sue for emotional distress, you will need to prove not only that you suffered emotional harm but also that the other party's conduct was outrageous or extreme.

What happens if a lawyer files a frivolous lawsuit?

Engaging in frivolous litigation can not only lead to sanctions against the attorney, including fines, but also damage to their professional reputation. Therefore, from both a legal and ethical standpoint, attorneys are obligated to refrain from initiating or continuing baseless lawsuits.

Can you counter sue someone for wrongfully suing you?

In conclusion, it is possible to sue someone for wrongfully suing you, as long as you can prove that their lawsuit was baseless and caused harm. However, the outcome of such a legal action may vary depending on the specific circumstances and jurisdiction.