(Sooh-uh Spahn-Tay) Latin adj. for “of his own free will”, that is, of his own accord, usually refers to the order of a judge made without the request of a party to the case. These include an order to refer a case to another judge because of a conflict of interest, or a decision by the judge that his or her court does not have jurisdiction over the case. COMPLAIN. Pursue or initiate legal proceedings with the aim of recovering a right. To bring legal action or continue legal proceedings to recover a right; to sue, assert a claim or bring an action against a particular party.