Legal Definitions - addition

In legal terms, "addition" can refer to:

1. A Physical Structure Attached to an Existing Building

   This refers to a new part of a building that is constructed and physically connected to an older, pre-existing structure. While some interpretations might allow for a separate but related structure, the most common legal understanding requires direct physical contact between the new and old parts.

   • Example 1 (Residential): A homeowner decides to build a new sunroom directly off the back of their existing house. This sunroom, once constructed and physically joined to the main dwelling, would be considered an addition to the property.

     Explanation: The sunroom is a new structure that is physically attached to and expands the original house, fitting the definition of an addition.

   • Example 2 (Commercial): A small local grocery store experiences growth and constructs a new section to house a larger produce department, directly extending from its original retail space. This new section is an addition to the commercial building.

     Explanation: The expanded produce department is a new physical structure built onto and connected with the existing grocery store building, serving as an addition.

   • Example 3 (Public): A university library constructs a new wing to accommodate its growing collection and provide more study spaces. This new wing, physically integrated with the original library building, is an addition.

     Explanation: The new wing is a distinct structure that is physically joined to the pre-existing library, thereby constituting an addition.

2. An Appellation or Descriptor Appended to a Person's Name

   Historically, an "addition" was a descriptive term added to a person's name in legal documents to specify their rank, occupation, or place of residence. This practice was once legally required in English law for identification purposes in writs and indictments but has long since been abolished and is not part of modern legal procedure.

   • Example 1 (Occupation): In a historical legal document, a person might be referred to as "John Smith, Carpenter." The word "Carpenter" served as an addition, indicating his trade.

     Explanation: "Carpenter" is a descriptor appended to John Smith's name, clarifying his occupation as was historically required in certain legal contexts.

   • Example 2 (Place of Residence): A medieval indictment might have identified an individual as "Eleanor Vance, of Canterbury." "Of Canterbury" functioned as an addition, specifying her place of residence.

     Explanation: "Of Canterbury" is a phrase added to Eleanor Vance's name to denote her residence, fulfilling the historical role of an addition.

   • Example 3 (Status/Rank): A formal record from centuries past might refer to "Sir William Johnson, Knight." Here, "Knight" was an addition signifying his social rank or title.

     Explanation: "Knight" is a term appended to Sir William Johnson's name to indicate his status, illustrating its use as an addition in historical legal documents.