Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: pretermitted defense
An act of the law refers to the creation, transfer, or extinction of a right by the operation of the law itself, without any consent from the parties involved. This means that the law can create, change, or end a legal right without the need for anyone to agree to it.
For example, when a person dies without a will, the law determines how their property will be distributed among their heirs. This is an act of the law because the law itself is creating the right of inheritance for the heirs, without any input from the deceased or their family.
Another example is when a new law is passed by the government. The law creates new rights and obligations for people, without their consent. For instance, a new law that requires people to wear seat belts while driving creates a legal obligation for drivers to wear seat belts, even if they don't agree with the law.
Overall, an act of the law is a legal action that is taken without the need for anyone's agreement or consent. It is a powerful tool that the law uses to create, change, or end legal rights and obligations.