What does it mean by case status disposed? How is it different from a case dismissed?

Case status disposed can be easily misunderstood with a case dismissed. But contrary to people’s belief, there’s a significant difference in both the terms. People believe that the simple term – disposed, translates the meaning that the case has ended, typically, which is not the case. It contains even more from just dismissal of the case, the time limit or the case, and if the case is disposed under CrPc or CPC terms.

What constitutes the meaning of case status disposed?

When there’s a criminal case filed under the criminal court reference, it remains pending until the court removes it from the court docket. Case status disposed/disposition/or disposal are synonymously used terms in the legal jargon when case proceedings are concluded. This identifies the age of the case from the date it was filed and ends with the date when the case is disposed of.

It is important to note here that only criminal or civil cases are subjected to be disposed. This can only be done when all the associated issues and charges in the case are dismissed on the actual date of charge disposition.

If you find out that your case has been disposed, that means the case does not require any other evidence, the proceedings are completed, a final verdict has been issued, and the pertaining trial has ended. Sometimes, it is also called ‘junk’ or ‘dismissed’ if your case is disposed.

If we talk significantly about the civil court, a case in question will be dismissed if all the charges have been dealt with and the verdict has been made against the defendant. Once the civil court defines its ruling, the losing party has an option of accepting the defeat or appealing to the supreme or higher court to intervene in the case and deliver a different verdict.

An example of the case deposition was a case held in 2018 between the Colorado Civil Right Commission and Masterpiece Cakeshop. The court overturned the ruling of the supreme court that the cake maker could not be forced to make cakes for someone he does not want. The case was first filed in Colorado state court by a same-sex couple when the Masterpiece cake owner denied making the cake for their wedding day. The court ruled in the couple’s favor back in 2012. The cake shop owner then went to the Court Of Appeals where he also lost the case. Then he turned to the Supreme court who decided that the cakeshop owner cannot be forced for making a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.

Also, a case can be considered disposed in the circumstances where a defendant has been acquitted of all the charges, the prosecution drops charges, the accused has spent the jail time after sentencing, or if the judge determines that there is not enough reasonable evidence that can lead to a criminal trial.

Disposed vs disposition

The difference between the disposed and disposition that significantly plays its role in differentiating them is their definition. A case is disposed when the court ruling is delivered and the case is concluded with a verdict. While a disposition refers to different methods by which a case can be resolved.

Case disposition includes acquittal (where the defendant is declared guilty/not guilty), conviction (where the defendant is sentenced), and dismissal (when there is not enough evidence to proceed with a criminal trial).

It can be said that the process by which a case proceeds to be disposed is called disposition. However, the disposition is not a final verdict. Here the judged determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. It indicates a decision that a judge may take after hearing the parties.

What happens if you don’t appeal after an unfair verdict?

For example, you are convicted when a case does not turn out to be in your favor. If you decide to appeal to the Court Of Appeal then you have to make it within a certain period of time. Once the limit is over the ruling of the session judge will stay and you have to accept the decision as it will be considered a disposed case. If you want to appeal in the court to reconsider the decision, you have to produce even more significant evidence in order to convince the jury to bring a different verdict.

How can a lawyer help?

If your case is accepted for a trial, it is not always necessary that you hire a lawyer. But it is suggested that you have one. It depends on your case which determines the type of lawyer that you would need to represent you legally. Lawyers mostly specialize in more than one field to cater to the needs of their clients. However, you cannot predict how long a trial would last. So if you are pursuing a criminal trial, it’s better to go with a criminal defense attorney. 

It won’t be a good thought to fight your own case when you don’t have legal knowledge about statutes, you may end up digging into even more complexities. In cases where defendants are unable to find a lawyer, they will be provided one from the court. Also, you can look for pro bono lawyers who usually take the case without charging a fee.