cause list: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal, Official
Quick answer
What does “cause list” mean?
An official schedule, often published by a court, listing the cases to be heard, including their time, date, and courtroom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An official schedule, often published by a court, listing the cases to be heard, including their time, date, and courtroom.
A formal document used in legal systems to organise and announce upcoming court proceedings, ensuring all parties are informed of when their case will be called. It functions as the public timetable for judicial business.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'cause list' is the standard term. In American English, the term is less common; 'court calendar', 'docket', or 'trial schedule' are more frequently used. However, 'cause list' may still be encountered in formal or historical contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries a formal, administrative, and precise connotation. In the US, using 'cause list' may sound slightly British or archaic.
Frequency
High frequency in UK legal contexts; low frequency in general US English, where 'docket' is dominant.
Grammar
How to Use “cause list” in a Sentence
The [court/judge] publishes a cause list.Our case is [on/featured in] tomorrow's cause list.You must [check/consult] the cause list for the hearing time.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cause list” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in legal departments dealing with litigation.
Academic
Used in law schools and legal studies when discussing court procedure.
Everyday
Extremely rare; unknown to most non-lawyers.
Technical
Core terminology in legal administration and court reporting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cause list”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They will cause list the hearing').
- Confusing it with a 'checklist' or a 'to-do list'.
- Using it in non-legal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a British Commonwealth legal term. While understood in other English-speaking legal systems, the US typically uses 'docket' or 'court calendar'.
No. In this specific compound noun, 'cause' is a legal term meaning 'a case for trial', not 'a reason'. The meaning is entirely procedural.
It varies by court. Many courts publish a daily cause list, while others may issue weekly or rolling lists. It is an official, frequently updated document.
Yes, this is a standard collocation. Example: 'The cause list shows that the sentencing has been moved to the afternoon session.'
An official schedule, often published by a court, listing the cases to be heard, including their time, date, and courtroom.
Cause list is usually formal, legal, official in register.
Cause list: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːz ˌlɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːz ˌlɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The CAUSE (legal case) needs to be on the LIST (schedule) to be heard in court.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE / ORGANISATION IS LIST-MAKING (The court's time is allocated via a listed schedule).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'cause list' primarily used?