Definition

A response or reply to a legal claim made in court, often used to counter or refute the original plea.

Example

The lawyer submitted a counterplea to challenge the accusations made against his client.

Conversation

I was reading about legal terms, and I came across the word counterplea.

Oh really? What does it mean?

It's a response in court to a legal plea, like a reply to a claim.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know there were so many specific terms like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Counterplea → It is formed from "counter-" (meaning against) and "plea" (from Old French *plee*, meaning a legal appeal or request). The word "counterplea" refers to a legal response made against a plea or claim.

Memory Tip

Think of making a response that is 'against' ('counter-') a legal 'request' ('plea') — that's what a counterplea is.

Visually Confused Words