Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
Matters or issues arising within a pending lawsuit or cause of action.
Sources & Authorities· 2 primary sources
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Model Codes
Restatements
Dictionaries
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Lawyer Fee Arrangement Dispute
Ike Ingram represents Integrity Partners in a contract dispute against a supplier. Ingram negotiates to receive a portion of any damages recovered directly as compensation. The arrangement implicates the prohibition on acquiring a proprietary interest in the pending matter.
Mental Examination Order
Igor Ito faces criminal charges and files notice of a mental disease defense. The court doubts his capacity to assist counsel in the proceeding. The judge appoints a psychiatrist to examine Ito and report on his condition for the ongoing case.
Isla Ireland challenges a state apportionment statute in federal court. The complaint asserts an equal protection violation under the Fourteenth Amendment. The court assesses whether the federal claim in the proceeding is substantial enough to support jurisdiction.
Baker v. Carr369 U.S. 186, 211
Executive Order Challenge
Icarus Aviation sues to enjoin a presidential order seizing steel mills during a labor dispute. The company argues the action exceeds constitutional authority. The court examines whether the executive measure in the litigation is valid.
Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer343 U.S. 579 (1952)
Jury Selection Challenge
Imran Iyer objects to the prosecutor's use of peremptory strikes against minority jurors in his trial. The defense claims the pattern undermines the fairness of the proceeding. The court considers whether the selection process in the cause violates equal protection.
Powers v. Ohio499 U.S. 400 (1991)
Federal Jurisdiction Dispute
Indigo Textiles sues a state bank in federal court over a disputed charter. The bank contests whether the claim arises under federal law. The court determines the nature of the controversy in the pending action.
Osborn v. Bank of the United States22 U.S. 738, 818–19 (1824)
Common questions
Frequently Asked
3
What does the Latin phrase in causa signify in historical legal records?+
It denotes matters or proceedings that are part of the pending lawsuit itself.
How does in causa relate to a lawyer acquiring an interest in litigation?+
The phrase identifies the lawsuit in which the lawyer is prohibited from obtaining a proprietary stake beyond permitted fee arrangements.
When does a court appoint a psychiatrist under rules referencing the cause?+
Appointment occurs when mental disease or fitness becomes an issue in the pending criminal proceeding.
433 U.S. 186 (1977)Conflict of Laws
…or otherwise defaults. Any defendant whose property shall have been so seized and who shall have entered a general appearance in the cause may, upon notice to the plaintiff, petition the Court for an order releasing such property or any part thereof from the seizure. The Court shall release such property unless the plaintiff…