third-party proceedings

Proceedings brought by a defendant to a civil action against a person not already a party to the action. The most common claim brought in third-party proceedings is one for *contribution or *indemnity, but other claims connected with the subject matter of the action between the plaintiff and the defendant may be brought. The proceedings are begun by a third-party notice, which may be issued without leave of the court before service of the defence; thereafter, leave is required. See also *third-party directions.