Intervene Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Intervene.

Intervene (verb):

  1. In a general context, it is defined as the action of becoming involved or interfering in a situation for some purpose, often abruptly or unexpectedly.

  2. In a legal context, it specifically refers to the act of a third party entering a lawsuit, with the court's permission, because they assert having an interest in the subject matter of the lawsuit. This intervention is allowed only after the court verifies the third party's interest and ensures they are not intervening merely to disrupt or harm the case. The intervening party aligns with the claims of the original parties involved in the lawsuit.