cease and desist

In one sentence

A formal legal order commanding someone to stop a specific activity immediately.

Plain English

A cease-and-desist is an official demand, usually from a lawyer or court, ordering someone to immediately stop doing something illegal or harmful. It's often the first step before filing a lawsuit. The person receiving it must comply or face legal consequences, including being sued for damages or held in contempt of court. It can address anything from copyright infringement to harassment to contract violations.

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Example

A company receives a cease-and-desist letter from a competitor's attorney claiming the company is using a trademarked name. The letter demands the company stop using that name within ten days or face a lawsuit for trademark infringement.

Used in a sentence

“The landlord sent a cease-and-desist letter ordering the tenant to stop operating an illegal business from the apartment.”

Related terms

Breach of Contract

Failure to do what a contract requires, without a valid legal excuse.

Statute of Limitations

A law setting the maximum time period within which a lawsuit can be filed after an injury or breach occurs.

appeal

A request to a higher court to review and overturn a lower court's decision.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

continuance

A court-approved delay or postponement of a scheduled hearing, trial, or other legal proceeding.

adjudication hearing

A court proceeding where a judge hears evidence and makes a formal decision about a legal matter.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.