DOUBLE COSTS Meaning and
Definition
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DOUBLE COSTS: A legal term referring to the imposition of additional financial liability on a losing party in a legal case. Double costs may be awarded when certain specified conditions are met and at the discretion of the court. Typically, it entails the requirement for the losing party to pay an extra amount in addition to the usual costs incurred in the litigation.
The term "double costs" signifies that the unsuccessful party is obliged to pay twice the standard costs that would be awarded against them. These costs may cover various expenses such as filing fees, legal fees, expert witness fees, photocopying, and other disbursements that have been reasonably incurred by the successful party during the course of the legal proceedings.
Double costs may be granted for various reasons, including a party's failure to make a reasonable settlement offer, unreasonably prolonging litigation, acting unreasonably or frivolously in the case, or failing to accept a settlement offer made by the opposing party that was more advantageous than the outcome at trial.
The purpose of imposing double costs is to discourage parties from engaging in unmeritorious or unnecessary litigation and to promote settlement efforts. By imposing additional financial consequences, it hopes to incentivize parties to act reasonably and resolve disputes outside of court whenever possible. Ultimately, the decision to award double costs lies within the discretion of the court based on the circumstances of each case.
Common Misspellings for DOUBLE COSTS
- souble costs
- xouble costs
- couble costs
- fouble costs
- rouble costs
- eouble costs
- diuble costs
- dkuble costs
- dluble costs
- dpuble costs
- d0uble costs
- d9uble costs
- doyble costs
- dohble costs
- dojble costs
- doible costs
- do8ble costs
- do7ble costs
- douvle costs
- dounle costs
Etymology of DOUBLE COSTS
The term "double costs" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "double" and "costs".
The word "double" comes from the Latin word "duplus", meaning "twofold" or "double". This Latin term entered Old French as "double" and later English, retaining its meaning of "two times" or "twice as much".
On the other hand, "costs" originates from the Latin word "costa", meaning "rib" or "side". In legal contexts, "costs" refers to the expenses or charges incurred during a court process, such as legal fees, court fees, and other related expenses.
Therefore, when combined, "double costs" refers to legal expenses that are twice the usual or standard amount.
