Also known as:lodges · lodged · lodging · file · submit
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
To formally submit a document to a court or administrative body for placement on the official record.
Sources & Authorities
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Defendant Files Removal Notice
Lucy Liu, sued in state court by a former employee, decides to move the case to federal court on diversity grounds. She prepares a notice of removal and lodges it in the district court for the district where the state action is pending, attaching all served process and pleadings. The federal court accepts the filing and the state court proceedings halt.
Spouses Submit Separation Agreement
Lance Lee and Lila Lin reach a written separation agreement during their divorce proceedings. They lodge the agreement with the family court for review. The court examines the economic circumstances and finds the terms unconscionable, directing the parties to submit a revised version.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Cases
Statutes
Federal Rules
Uniform Acts
Model Codes
Restatements
Lamar Lewis sues a supplier for breach of contract. His attorney prepares the complaint and lodges it with the clerk, ensuring the caption names all parties and includes the required court designation and file number. The clerk dockets the pleading and assigns the case number.
Court Appoints Expert Witness
Lena Lawson moves for appointment of a neutral expert in her products liability trial. The court orders the parties to show cause and, after receiving nominations, lodges an order appointing an agreed-upon expert who has consented to serve. The expert receives written notice of duties from the clerk.
Advocates Lodge Brief in Marriage Case
Lumen Capital files an amicus brief supporting the petitioners in a constitutional challenge to state marriage laws. Counsel lodges the brief with the Supreme Court clerk, including the required disclosures and arguments on equal protection. The Court accepts the filing and lists it for consideration.
Obergefell v. Hodges576 U.S. 644 (2015)
Parties Lodge Filings in Abortion Case
Lakeshore Industries, as amicus, lodges a brief with the Supreme Court in a challenge to state abortion restrictions. The filing includes supporting data on medical practice and is accepted by the clerk for the Court's review alongside the principal briefs.
Roe v. Wade410 U.S. 113 (1973)
Common questions
Frequently Asked
5
What does it mean to lodge a document in court?+
To lodge a document means to submit it formally so that it becomes part of the official court record. Courts and rules treat lodging as equivalent to filing.
Supporting sources
When must a defendant lodge a notice of removal?+
A defendant must lodge the notice of removal in the federal district court where the state action is pending, together with copies of all process and pleadings served.
What happens if a court finds a lodged separation agreement unconscionable?+
The court may request a revised agreement or issue its own orders on property, maintenance, and support.
Does lodging a pleading require a proper caption?+
Yes. Every pleading must include a caption with the court's name, title, file number, and Rule 7(a) designation, and the complaint title must name all parties.
Who may lodge a request for appointment of an expert witness?+
Any party may move for appointment, or the court may act on its own, after ordering the parties to show cause and obtaining consent from the proposed expert.
410 U.S. 113 (1973)Constitutional Law
…lawsuit. While a party may vindicate his own constitutional rights, he may not seek vindication for the rights of others. Moose Lodge v. Irvis , 407 U. S. 163 (1972); Sierra Club v. Morton , 405 U. S. 727 (1972). The Court's statement of facts in this case makes clear, however, that the record in no way indicates the…
TortsIntentional torts · Harms to the person and property interests (assault, battery, false imprisonment, infliction of mental distress, trespass to land and chattels, conversion)UBEFoundational