Legal Definitions - able

In legal terms, able describes an individual or entity that possesses the necessary legal capacity, authority, and qualifications to perform a specific action or fulfill a particular role. It signifies that all legal prerequisites, such as age, mental competence, or specific certifications, have been met, rendering the person or entity legally competent to proceed.

• Example 1: Entering a Contract
  A 25-year-old professional is looking to purchase their first home. Because they are over the age of majority and are not under any legal disability (like being declared mentally incapacitated), they are considered able to sign a mortgage agreement and a purchase contract for the property.

  Explanation: This illustrates "able" because the individual meets the fundamental legal requirements of age and mental capacity, which are essential qualifications for entering into legally binding contracts like a mortgage or property purchase.

• Example 2: Serving on a Jury
  A citizen receives a summons for jury duty. After passing the initial screening questions regarding their residency, age, and ability to understand English, they are deemed able to serve as a juror in a court case.

  Explanation: Here, "able" refers to the individual meeting the specific legal qualifications set for jury service, such as age, citizenship, and language comprehension, which are necessary for them to competently participate in the legal process.

• Example 3: Executing a Power of Attorney
  An individual, while still in good health and possessing full mental faculties, decides to appoint their spouse as their agent through a durable power of attorney. They are considered able to execute this document because they understand its implications and are not under duress or suffering from any cognitive impairment that would invalidate their consent.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates "able" by highlighting the individual's legal competence and mental capacity to understand and consent to the significant legal act of granting power of attorney, ensuring the document's validity.