The following words and phrases as used in this article, have the meaning ascribed to them in this section, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(1) WITHOUT SUBSTANTIAL JUSTIFICATION. The phrase “without substantial justification”, when used with reference to any action, claim, defense or appeal, including without limitation any motion, means that such action, claim, defense or appeal (including any motion) is frivolous, groundless in fact or in law, or vexatious, or interposed for any improper purpose, including without limitation, to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation, as determined by the court.
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Terms Used In Alabama Code 12-19-271

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Counterclaim: A claim that a defendant makes against a plaintiff.
  • following: means next after. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Litigation: A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.
  • Partnership: A voluntary contract between two or more persons to pool some or all of their assets into a business, with the agreement that there will be a proportional sharing of profits and losses.
  • person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • without substantial justification: when used with reference to any action, claim, defense or appeal, including without limitation any motion, means that such action, claim, defense or appeal (including any motion) is frivolous, groundless in fact or in law, or vexatious, or interposed for any improper purpose, including without limitation, to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation, as determined by the court. See Alabama Code 12-19-271
(2) PERSON. Any individual, corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, joint stock company, or any other entity, including any governmental entity or unincorporated association of persons.
(3) ACTION. Any suit, counterclaim, crossclaim or third party claim filed at law or in equity, including any claim therein asserted by one or more parties or against one or more parties in a multi-party action or suit, or an appeal thereof.
(4) DEFENSE. Any affirmative defense under Rule 8(c), Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure, filed in any action at law or in equity.
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