| law, lat. |
inter partes (Inter partes is a Latin phrase that literally translated means "between the parties." It is often used by attorneys and judges to refer to situations in which both sides involved in a particular dispute are present. It can also be used to define the drafting of contracts that are between two entities. In many jurisdictions, lawsuits or other court proceedings cannot happen unless all parties to it have been properly notified of the time, place, and circumstances. This is so that all individuals involved have an opportunity to have their sides heard. Notification is normally given by serving each one with a summons, or warning, that he should appear in court to defend allegations being made against him. Any judgment made during an inter partes hearing normally binds all parties that have been served, subject to any appeals that might be available. This allows judges to render decisions that can be applied to certain situations without having to hear multiple lawsuits. This helps the court system work fairly and effectively, since everyone has a chance to have their voice heard.  wisegeek.com Alexander Demidov) |
