bill of particulars

American  

noun

Law.

1. a formal statement prepared by a plaintiff or a defendant itemizing a claim or counterclaim in a suit.

2. an itemized statement prepared by the prosecution and informing the accused of the charges in a criminal case.

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Etymology

Origin of bill of particulars

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

House Speaker Mike Johnson wrapped up this bill of particulars with a prediction during a press conference last week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 21, 2025

The bill of particulars that the committee offers is detailed and devastating.

From Salon • Jul. 11, 2023

That was quite the bill of particulars that Mark Brnovich and Doug Peterson laid against BlackRock, the world’s largest money management firm, back in August.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2022

Lyle Denniston, who has attended more Supreme Court arguments than any other journalist and quite possibly more than anyone alive, issued a bill of particulars objecting to the new format after the second conference-call argument.

From New York Times • May 18, 2020

Nothing but opposing an application for a bill of particulars.

From The Case and Exceptions Stories of Counsel and Clients by Hill, Frederick Trevor