A frivolous lawsuit is a legal claim that lacks any serious merit or basis in law. These lawsuits are often filed to harass or burden the defendant rather than to seek genuine justice. They can waste valuable court resources and time, leading to delays in legitimate cases. Courts may dismiss frivolous lawsuits and sometimes impose penalties on the party that filed them. This helps discourage individuals from abusing the legal system. Examples of frivolous lawsuits can include claims over minor issues, such as a person suing a fast-food restaurant for not providing enough ketchup.