What does it mean to have "standing to sue"?

Having "standing to sue" refers to the requirement that a person or entity must have a sufficient connection to the law or issue being challenged in order to bring a lawsuit before the court. This means that the individual or organization must demonstrate that they have a direct and concrete interest in the outcome of the case. This interest typically arises from having suffered an injury or harm that the law is meant to address.

In legal terms, standing ensures that there is a legitimate controversy for the court to resolve, avoiding situations where individuals without a direct stake in the matter can bring frivolous lawsuits. Establishing standing often involves showing that the party has been affected by the actions or decisions of another party, leading to a legal dispute that the court can adjudicate.

Other options reflect different concepts in legal proceedings but do not accurately define what it means to have standing. Being the last person to file a case does not relate to the qualifications required to bring legal action. Similarly, representing the interests of others in court pertains to legal representation rather than standing, and being a legal expert ready to advise describes a professional role rather than a prerequisite for initiating legal action.