CPLR

Law & Legal abbreviation · Litigation

CPLR
Stands forCivil Practice Law and Rules
CategoriesLaw & Legal

CPLR stands for Civil Practice Law and Rules, a litigation abbreviation.

New York statute governing civil procedure in the state's courts, covering jurisdiction, limitations periods, pleadings, motions, disclosure, trials, judgments and enforcement. New York lawyers cite it constantly, as in "CPLR 3211" for motions to dismiss.

Example: The defendant moved under CPLR 3212 for summary judgment after the note of issue was filed.

Usage notes

It took effect on September 1, 1963, replacing the Civil Practice Act. New York calls discovery "disclosure" and depositions "examinations before trial" (EBTs). California's counterpart is the Code of Civil Procedure (CCP), and Texas uses the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (TRCP).

More litigation abbreviations

  • Aff. – Affidavit
  • AOS – Affidavit of service
  • Br. – Brief
  • CMC – Case management conference
  • COA – Cause of action
  • Compl. – Complaint
  • Decl. – Declaration
  • Def. – Defendant
  • Dep. – Deposition
  • DJ – Declaratory judgment
  • Dkt. – Docket
  • EBT – Examination before trial

See all 71 litigation abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not legal advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.