Plea in Bar
Also found in: Dictionary, Wikipedia.
Plea in Bar
An answer to a plaintiff's claim that absolutely and entirely defeats it.
A plea in bar sets forth matters that deny the plaintiff's right to maintain his or her lawsuit; for example, because the Statute of Limitations has expired or because the claim necessarily overrides a constitutionally protected right of the defendant.
West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.