The Law Dictionary

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FILE Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & Citations:

n. A thread, string, or wire upon which writs and other exhibits in courts andoffices are fastened or filed for the more safe-keeping and ready turning to the same.Spelman ; Cowell; Tomlins. Papers put together and tied in bundles. A paper is said alsoto be filed when it is delivered to the proper officer, and by him received to be kept onfile. 13 Vin. Abr. 211; 1 Litt. 113; 1 Hawk. P. C. 7, 207; Phillips v. Beene. 38 Ala. 251;Holman v. Chevaillier. 14 Tex. 338; Beebe v. Morrell, 70 Mich. 114, 42 X. W. 1119, 15Am. St. Rep. 2SS. But. in general, “file,” or “the files.” is used loosely to denote theofficial custody of the court or the place in the offices of a court where the records andpapers are kept.

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