elements (of a case)

The component parts of a legal claim or cause of action. To win a lawsuit, a plaintiff must prove every element of a legal claim. For example, here are the elements of a breach of contract claim:

1. There was a valid contract.
2. The plaintiff performed as specified by the contract.
3. The defendant failed to perform as specified by the contract.
4. The plaintiff suffered an economic loss as a result of the defendant's breach of contract.