In legal terms, what is the action of laying down conditions known as?

The action of laying down conditions is referred to as stipulating. In legal contexts, stipulation involves a formal agreement or a specific condition that one party requires to be acknowledged or met by another party. This term is used widely in legal settings, such as contracts, negotiations, and court proceedings, where one party may set forth certain requirements that need to be adhered to for the agreement or proceedings to be valid. Stipulations serve to clarify terms and expectations, ensuring all parties involved have a clear understanding of the obligations and conditions to be fulfilled. This clear articulation of conditions is critical in avoiding disputes and misunderstandings in legal agreements.