Legal Definitions - commencement

In legal contexts, commencement refers to the beginning, start, or initiation of a legal process, action, period, or document. It marks the point at which something legally takes effect or is formally set in motion.

Here are a few examples illustrating the concept of commencement:

• Commencement of a Lawsuit: Imagine a situation where a construction company fails to complete a project on time, causing significant financial losses for the client. The client decides to sue the company for breach of contract.

  The commencement of the lawsuit occurs when the client (the plaintiff) formally files the initial legal documents, such as a complaint or petition, with the appropriate court. This act of filing is the official legal step that initiates the litigation process, setting all subsequent legal proceedings in motion.

• Commencement of a New Statute or Regulation: A country's parliament passes a new law designed to regulate data privacy for its citizens. While the law might be passed on one date, it often specifies a future date when its provisions will become active and enforceable.

  The commencement date of this new statute is the specific day on which its rules and requirements legally take effect. From this date forward, individuals and organizations are legally bound to comply with the new data privacy regulations.

• Commencement of an Employment Contract: A candidate accepts a job offer and signs an employment contract with a new company. The contract outlines the terms of their employment, including their start date, salary, and responsibilities.

  The commencement date of the employment contract is the specific day the individual officially begins their role and the terms of the agreement become legally binding for both the employee and the employer. This is typically their first day of work, even if the contract was signed weeks prior.