amendment

To change or modify for the better. To alter by modification, deletion, or addition.

Practice and pleading.

The correction of an error committed in any process, pleading, or proceeding at law, or in equity, and which is done either as of course, or by the consent of parties, or upon motion to the court in which the proceeding is pending.

Under Fed.R.Civil P., any change in pleadings, though not necessarily a correction, which a party may accomplish once as a matter of course at any time before a responsive pleading has been served. Such amendment may be necessary to cause pleadings to conform to evidence. Rule 15(a), (b). The amendment relates back to the original pleading if the subject of it arose out of the transaction set forth or attempted to be set forth in the original pleading. Fed. R.Civil P. 15(c)

Compare supplemental pleading

@ amendment of judgment

A judgment may be altered or amended for appropriate reasons on motion if served within ten days after entry of judgment. Fed.R.Civ.P. 59(e).

See also Rule 60 (relief from judgment or order)

@ amendment of trust

An addition which alters the original terms of a trust, the power to accomplish which may be reserved by the settlor in the original trust instrument

@ amendment on court's own motion

A change or addition to a pleading or other document accomplished by the judge without a prior motion of a party

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