Legal Definitions - achieve

Historically, in feudal law, to achieve meant to perform an act of homage or fealty when taking possession of a fee or fief (a grant of land). This involved acknowledging the lord's superior title and pledging loyalty in exchange for the land.

In contemporary legal language, the specific historical meaning of "achieve" is obsolete. The word "achieve" is now used in legal contexts much like it is in everyday English: to successfully bring about, accomplish, or reach a desired objective, result, or standard through effort or action.

Here are examples illustrating how the word "achieve" is used in modern legal settings:

• Example 1: Contract Law

  A software development company signs a contract agreeing to achieve full functionality of a new application by the end of the third quarter. If they deliver a fully operational product by the deadline, they have successfully fulfilled this contractual obligation.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates "achieve" in the sense of successfully completing a specific goal or condition set forth in a legal agreement. The company's effort is directed towards reaching the defined state of "full functionality" by the specified date.

• Example 2: Regulatory Compliance

  A pharmaceutical company is mandated by health authorities to achieve specific purity levels for a new drug before it can be approved for market release. They must demonstrate through testing that their manufacturing process consistently meets these standards.

  Explanation: Here, "achieve" refers to successfully meeting a mandated standard or target. The company must implement processes that result in the specified purity levels, thereby accomplishing the regulatory objective.

• Example 3: Public Policy and Legislation

  The legislature passed a new bill designed to achieve a significant reduction in urban crime rates over the next decade through community policing initiatives and increased social programs.

  Explanation: In this context, "achieve" signifies the successful realization of a desired outcome or policy goal through legal and governmental action. The legislation aims to bring about a measurable improvement in public safety.