Publish
The specific request for judgment, relief and/or damages at the conclusion of a complaint or petition. a typical prayer would read: “the plaintiff prays for 1) special damages in the sum of $17,500; 2) general damages according to proof [proved in trial]; 3) reasonable attorney’s fees; 4) costs of suit; and 5) such other and further relief as the court shall deem proper.” a prayer gives the judge an idea of what is sought, and may become the basis of a judgment if the defendant defaults (fails to file an answer). sometimes a plaintiff will inflate damages in the prayer for publicity or intimidation purposes, or because the plaintiff believes that a gigantic demand will be a better starting point in negotiations. however, the ridiculous multi-million prayers in smaller cases make plaintiffs look foolish and unrealistic.
