Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Action in Personam
Jurisdictional & Appellate Practice Terms
Definition
A legal proceeding directed against a specific individual or legal entity personally to enforce an obligation, recover a debt, or seek compensation, where the resulting decree binds only the named parties to the litigation.
Example
A suit filed by a landlord against a former tenant to recover ₹5 lakh in unpaid back rent is an action in personam, enforceable against the tenant's general personal assets.