Legal Definitions - artificial

In legal contexts, the term "artificial" refers to something that exists or is created not by nature, but by human action or by the force of law itself. It distinguishes between what is natural or inherent and what is a human construct or intervention.

• Meaning 1: A Legal Creation or Construct

  This sense of "artificial" describes an entity, concept, or right that exists purely because the law recognizes or establishes it, rather than being a physical or natural phenomenon. These are often referred to as "artificial persons" or "artificial entities" in law.

  Example 1: A Limited Liability Company (LLC)

  An LLC is an "artificial person" in the eyes of the law. It is created by filing specific documents with a government agency and exists as a separate legal entity distinct from its owners. This legal creation allows the LLC to own property, enter into contracts, incur debts, and sue or be sued, much like a natural person, even though it is not a living being.

• Meaning 2: Human-Made or Modified Conditions

  This refers to something that has been created, built, or significantly altered by human intervention, as opposed to occurring naturally. This distinction is often crucial in determining legal responsibilities, such as liability for injuries or property damage.

  Example 2: A privately constructed swimming pool

  A swimming pool built in a backyard is an "artificial condition" on the land. Unlike a natural pond or stream, its existence is entirely due to human construction. The property owner has specific legal duties and potential liabilities associated with maintaining this artificial condition, such as ensuring it is properly fenced or supervised, to prevent accidents, especially involving children. These duties might differ significantly from those associated with a natural body of water on the property.