Legal Definitions - article

In legal terms, an article refers to a distinct, numbered section or clause within a larger legal document. These documents can include statutes, codes, constitutions, treaties, or contracts. Articles serve to organize complex legal texts into manageable, specific parts, with each article typically addressing a particular topic, rule, provision, or set of obligations.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of "article" in a legal context:

• Corporate Bylaws: When a new company is formed, it often creates a set of bylaws, which are rules governing its internal management. Imagine a tech startup's bylaws include a section titled "Article IV: Shareholder Meetings." This article would precisely detail the procedures for calling and conducting shareholder meetings, including notice requirements, quorum rules, and voting processes.

  Explanation: In this scenario, "Article IV" functions as a self-contained set of legal rules within the company's governing document, specifically outlining how shareholder meetings must be legally conducted. It demonstrates how an article organizes specific operational provisions within a broader legal framework.

• International Treaties: Countries often enter into international agreements, known as treaties, to govern their relationships or address global issues. Consider a hypothetical "International Convention on Cybersecurity" signed by multiple nations. Within this convention, there might be an "Article 8: Data Protection Standards," which outlines the minimum legal requirements for safeguarding personal data that signatory countries must implement in their national laws.

  Explanation: Here, "Article 8" is a distinct part of the international treaty that establishes a specific legal obligation (data protection standards) agreed upon by the participating nations. It illustrates how articles are used to structure and define commitments in international law.

• State Statutes: Many states have comprehensive legal codes that are divided into various sections. For instance, a state's criminal code might contain an "Article 25: Offenses Against Property." This article would then list and define various crimes related to property, such as theft, vandalism, and arson, along with their corresponding penalties.

  Explanation: "Article 25" groups together all legal provisions related to property crimes within the state's criminal code. This organization allows for clear categorization and easy reference to specific legal rules and definitions concerning a particular area of law.