What does hang the papers mean?

The term "hang the papers" is used in the context of a legal dispute or criminal proceedings to indicate that a specific case or legal document has been filed or has come into consideration. It's typically used to describe the start of legal action or the beginning of a trial.

In the legal system, papers refer to various types of documents related to a case, such as legal briefs, complaints, motions, petitions, and affidavits. When papers are hung, it means they have been formally submitted to the court or legal authorities and have become part of the official record of the case.

The phrase "hang the papers" is often used interchangeably with "file the papers" or "lodge the papers." It's a general term that encapsulates the act of formally presenting legal documents to initiate a legal process or respond to a legal action.

Here are some examples of how the term "hang the papers" might be used:

1. "The plaintiff filed a lawsuit to recover damages, hanging the papers in court with the help of their legal counsel."

2. "The defendant responded to the allegations by filing a counterclaim and hanging the papers before the trial commenced."

3. "The judge adjourned the hearing, instructing both parties to submit additional documents and hang the papers before the next session."

In essence, hanging the papers refers to the formal submission of legal documents that signify the commencement or progression of legal actions within the court system.