Legal Definitions - chance

In legal terms, chance refers to an unpredictable event or outcome that occurs without deliberate intent or control. It can also describe a potential opportunity or risk that arises from a particular set of circumstances.

• Example 1 (Unforeseen Consequence/Risk): A construction company is excavating a site for a new building. Despite all safety precautions, a sudden, unexpected shift in the underlying soil causes a minor cave-in, delaying the project by several days. The company took a "chance" that the ground would remain stable, but the unforeseen geological event created an unintended consequence.

  Explanation: This illustrates "chance" as an unpredictable risk or an unforeseen consequence of an action, where an event outside of deliberate control impacts the outcome.

• Example 2 (Accident/Unintended Outcome): During a community festival, a balloon vendor accidentally releases a large cluster of balloons, which drift into overhead power lines, causing a brief power outage in a small area. The vendor did not intend for the balloons to cause a disruption.

  Explanation: Here, "chance" describes an accident or an unintended outcome of an act (releasing balloons) that had unforeseen and uncontrollable consequences (the power outage).

• Example 3 (Opportunity): A small, independent film studio submits its latest movie to a prestigious international film festival. Unexpectedly, the film is selected for a prime screening slot, attracting significant attention from distributors and critics.

  Explanation: In this context, the selection for the prime screening slot represents a significant "chance" or opportunity for the studio to gain recognition and potential success, arising from the circumstances of their submission.