Legal Definitions - bare possibility

The term "bare possibility" refers to a very slight, remote, or speculative chance of something occurring, often without any substantial evidence or reasonable basis to support its likelihood. It describes an outcome that is theoretically possible but lacks any practical probability or foundation in reality.

• Example 1: Business Acquisition

  A small, struggling startup company, which has not yet developed a marketable product or secured any significant funding, expresses a hope that a major tech giant like Google or Apple might suddenly decide to acquire them. They have no ongoing discussions, no mutual contacts, and no unique intellectual property that would attract such an offer.

  Explanation: This scenario represents a bare possibility because, while it's theoretically possible for any company to be acquired, there is no practical basis, evidence, or active engagement to suggest such an acquisition is likely or even remotely probable for this particular startup. It's a wishful thought rather than a realistic prospect.

• Example 2: Inheritance Claim

  A person learns that a very wealthy individual with the same uncommon last name has passed away without a publicly known will. Despite having no personal relationship with the deceased, no family tree connecting them, and no mention in any past conversations, this person believes there's a "bare possibility" they might be a long-lost heir and entitled to a portion of the estate.

  Explanation: The shared last name alone, without any other supporting evidence of a familial connection or intent from the deceased, constitutes a bare possibility. The chance of inheriting is extremely remote and speculative, lacking any substantial legal or factual basis.

• Example 3: Legal Strategy in Litigation

  In a complex environmental lawsuit, a plaintiff's attorney argues that a highly experimental and unproven scientific theory, which has not yet undergone peer review or widespread acceptance, *might* eventually provide evidence linking the defendant's actions to the environmental damage. Current established scientific methods and preliminary data do not support this link.

  Explanation: Relying on an unproven scientific theory for a legal claim represents a bare possibility. While future scientific advancements could theoretically validate the theory, basing a current legal argument on such a speculative and unsubstantiated concept is highly improbable and lacks the necessary evidentiary foundation for a successful case.