Action Legal

Action (Legal). The proceedings taken at law by any one to enforce his rights against another. All proceedings of a civil nature are designated actions, but the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice is the proper tribunal to resort to for relief of an equitable nature, such as the specific performance of contracts, matters of trust, etc. In Scotland there is no formal distinction between law and equity, indicated above, and which has from almost the earliest time prevailed in England. Ordinary costs of an action usually follow the event, although the judges have now a larger discretion in such matters than formerly.