Nisi Law and Legal Definition
Nisi is a Latin word which means “unless.” It indicates that a court’s ex parte ruling or grant of relief has validity unless the adversely affected party appears and shows cause why it should be withdrawn. This is frequently used in legal proceedings to denote that something has been done, which is to be valid unless something else shall be done within a certain time to defeat it.
Example of a state law (Massachusetts ) on Order Nisi for Dismissal
In Massachusetts, where an action has remained on the docket for eight months without an answer or where a defensive motion has been filed by any defendant, the Clerk-Magistrate shall enter an Order Nisi for Dismissal advising the plaintiff that a Judgment of Dismissal will be entered 30 days from the date of the Order unless the plaintiff either (1) requests entry of default and moves for default judgment in accordance with Mass. R. Civ. P. 55, or (2) reports in writing that the case is active and requests that should not be dismissed.[ ALM Dist. S.O. 1-04]
