inter partes

Inter partes means between two or more parties. It is a phrase used to designate that the noun with which is associated is limited to be "between the parties".

So in litigation, there will be inter partes rights (rights between the parties to the litigation).

An inter partes application or hearing is one whereby all parties are given notice of the application or hearing. It is another matter whether the parties actually appear at the hearing. If the parties are given notice of the application or hearing remains inter partes, whether or not a party appears. 

Inter partes hearings should be distinguished from applications and hearings which are without notice (aka ex parte).

Use of the term has fallen into disfavour, and the terms "on notice" and "without notice" are more frequently used.

[Latin: between parties]