A case is considered to be “disposed” when it has reached a conclusion in the court of law, and no further hearings are required for that matter. This conclusion may result from a judgment, an order, a settlement, or a dismissal, depending on the situation and the stage of the legal proceedings. Disposing of a case ensures that the legal process for that particular matter is formally completed.
Understanding the status of a disposed case is important, especially when considering its impact on personal or professional records. So, does a disposed case stay on your record? The answer depends on the nature of the case and how the court has recorded its disposal. While some disposals may be reflected as resolved or dismissed, others could remain as part of public or legal records for reference.
Circumstances Under Which a Case Is Considered to Be “Disposed”
- Resolution by Judgment or Settlement
What it means:
A case can be disposed of either by a court judgment or through an out-of-court settlement. In both situations, the dispute is formally resolved, and the case is officially closed. Judgment involves the court making a decision after evaluating the facts and evidence, while a settlement occurs when the parties agree on a resolution, often with court approval.
How it works:
- Judgment: The court reviews all evidence, hears both sides, and issues a decision on the rights and obligations of the parties.
- Settlement: Parties negotiate terms privately or with the help of lawyers and may submit the agreement to the court for formal recording.
Example:
- Judgment: A person injured in a car accident sues the driver. After reviewing medical records and accident reports, the court orders the driver to pay medical expenses and damages.
- Settlement: The injured person and the driver agree on a compensation amount for medical bills and lost wages, and the court records this agreement.
- Case Dismissed
What it means:
A dismissal happens when the court ends a case without evaluating the main issue, often due to procedural issues, lack of evidence, or other legal technicalities (issues). Even though the case is closed, the court does not decide who is right or wrong.
How it works:
- The court may dismiss the case on the defendant’s request or if the plaintiff fails to follow legal procedures.
- Once dismissed, the case is recorded as disposed.
- Some dismissals are “with prejudice” (cannot be filed again) or “without prejudice” (can be refiled).
Example:
A plaintiff files a lawsuit but fails to submit important documents proving their claim. The court dismisses the case for lack of evidence.
- Withdrawal by Plaintiff
What it means:
A plaintiff is the person who initiates a case in court. Sometimes, the plaintiff may decide to voluntarily stop the case before the court reaches a judgment. This can happen for several reasons, such as realizing the case has little chance of success, reaching a private agreement with the defendant, or simply changing their mind about pursuing the matter legally.
How it works:
- The plaintiff files a formal request with the court to withdraw the case.
- The court reviews the request and, if there are no legal obstacles, allows the withdrawal.
- Once approved, the case is considered disposed of, even though no judgment was made on the merits of the dispute.
Example:
Suppose a person files a defamation lawsuit because someone posted false comments about them online. Later, the defendant issued a formal apology and removed the content. The plaintiff may then decide to withdraw the case, and the court records the case as disposed.
- Compromise or Mediation
What it means:
A compromise or mediation occurs when the court encourages or facilitates the parties to settle their dispute smoothly without a full trial. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps both sides reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Once the parties agree and the court approves it, the case is considered disposed.
How it works:
- The mediator brings both parties together to discuss possible solutions.
- Both parties negotiate terms and reach a compromise that addresses their concerns.
- The court records the agreement, making the case officially disposed.
Example:
Two siblings are disputing the division of inherited property. Instead of going through a long trial, they agree on a fair distribution with the help of a mediator. The court documents this agreement, and the case is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Resolution by Judgment or Settlement: The case ends through a court decision or mutual agreement.
- Case Dismissed: Case ends without deciding the dispute.
- Withdrawal by Plaintiff: Plaintiff voluntarily ends the case.
- Compromise or Mediation: Case resolved amicably without trial.
