"Dismissed without prejudice" is a legal term. A case closes, but not permanently.Unless the notice or stipulation states otherwise, the dismissal is without prejudice. Any civil case which has been pending for more than 12 months and in which no action has been taken for more than 6 months may be dismissed. If you are filing a notice of dismissal and the case has not finally settled, clearly state that the dismissal is without prejudice. "Dismissed without prejudice" is a legal term that means a case is dismissed but can still be refiled at a later point. "Without prejudice" means that plaintiff's rights are not lost and the case can be re-filed. "Without Prejudice" means you may file a new claim for the same matter. You may dismiss the entire case or some of the defendants using this form. A dismissal with prejudice means that the ruling is the final judgment in the case.