- Trial Court Law Libraries
If one files a frivolous claim in court, the court shall award to the defending party “an amount representing his reasonable costs, expenses and effort in defending against such claims“.
According to the Massachusetts Rules of Appellate Procedure, “if the appellate court shall determine that an appeal is frivolous, it may award just damages and single or double costs to the appellee, and such interest on the amount of the judgment as may be allowed by law.” [Italics mine.]
This is clearly specified in the Massachusetts General Laws in regard to both the Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court.
One might also mention that a frivolous lawsuit may perhaps qualify as a batrachomyomachia, or, a silly altercation.
In court, there is a cost to being silly.
Written By: Gary Smith