What does "ex parte" mean in legal terms?

"Ex parte" refers to a legal situation where one party communicates with the court without the other party being present. This term is often used in contexts where a party seeks to obtain a decision or order from the court without having to notify or include the opposing party. Such communications may occur in emergency situations where immediate action is necessary, and it is not feasible to alert the other party.

In some legal proceedings, ex parte communication can raise concerns about fairness because it does not allow for both sides to present their arguments or evidence. Courts typically impose strict guidelines on ex parte communications to ensure they do not undermine the procedural rights of the parties involved. This helps to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judicial process.

The other options describe different types of legal communication and settings that do not align with the definition of "ex parte." For example, communication with two parties present is the opposite of ex parte, and public court sessions involve all parties, which is also contrary to the meaning of ex parte. A formal request to dismiss a case does not specifically relate to the concept of one-sided communication with the court.