What is a stipulation?

• A. A court order requiring the defendant to comply with an injunction
• B. A formal complaint filed with the court
• C. An agreement between parties that relates to the case and may affect procedure or relief
• D. A punitive damages award

Answer: (C)

A stipulation is an agreement between the parties about something in the case that can shape how the case moves forward. It’s not a court order itself, but something the parties agree to and the court will typically recognize and enforce. Stipulations are used to streamline litigation by setting or admitting facts, narrowing issues, extending deadlines, or agreeing on the relief to be granted in part of the case. Because it reflects the parties’ mutual agreement and can affect procedure or the remedies available, the description that matches this concept is the one that states it as an agreement between the parties that relates to the case and may affect procedure or relief. The other options describe a court-issued order (injunction), a pleading filed with the court (formal complaint), or a damages verdict, none of which capture the nature of a stipulation.