noun
cause
A matter brought before a court for a decision.
The court considers the cause brought by the property owners.
Etymology
Latin causa could name a legal case as well as a reason. This judicial use preserves the matter presented for judgment, including the grounds on which it is argued.
More examples
- Both sides prepared the cause for trial.
- The judge heard the civil cause.
- The cause was listed for a hearing.
Forms
cause · causes
Similar words
- case
- The ordinary term for a matter before a court.