Legal Definitions - certify

To certify means to formally declare something as true, authentic, or meeting specific standards, often through an official document or process. In a legal context, it can also refer to a court's decision to formally recognize a group of people as a "class" for a class action lawsuit.

Here are some examples to illustrate this term:

• Example 1: Product Safety Certification

  A government agency might certify that a new line of children's toys meets all federal safety regulations, including those for lead content and choking hazards. This means the agency has officially verified and declared that the toys comply with the required safety criteria, making them legal and safe for sale to the public.

• Example 2: Professional Qualification Certification

  After a rigorous examination and practical assessment, a professional organization might certify an individual as a licensed financial planner. This signifies that the organization has formally attested to the individual's competence, knowledge, and adherence to professional standards, allowing them to practice in their field.

• Example 3: Class Action Lawsuit Certification

  In a lawsuit where thousands of car owners claim a specific vehicle model has a dangerous defect, a judge might certify the group of affected owners as a "class." This legal action means the court has formally approved and defined this collective group of plaintiffs, allowing them to pursue their claims together in a single class action lawsuit rather than filing individual cases.