Plain-English Definition
The official delivery of legal documents to the other party. You cannot just mail or email documents — service must follow court rules.
Legal Meaning
The formal delivery of legal documents to a party as required by procedural rules. Proper service ensures the receiving party has notice and an opportunity to respond. Methods and requirements vary by jurisdiction and document type.
Etymology Review
From Latin servitium, meaning service, duty, or condition of serving. In legal use, service can describe the formal duty of delivering notice or papers.
Misuse Warning
Improper service can invalidate your case. You must follow your jurisdiction's service rules — personal service, certified mail, or publication — exactly as required.
Boundary Note
Lexicon provides general legal and procedural information for educational purposes. It does not provide legal advice, legal representation, legal interpretation for a specific case, strategy, document preparation, or professional judgment. Meanings can vary by jurisdiction, facts, and procedural posture.