Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: shifting use
Concurrency: When two or more things happen at the same time or have the same power to do something. For example, if two judges have the same power to make decisions about a case, they have concurrency. In criminal law, if someone gets two or more sentences that are the same length, they have concurrency.
Definition: Concurrency refers to two different things:
Example: In the past, two kings could have concurrency over the same land, meaning they both had the right to rule over it. In modern times, concurrency is often used in criminal cases where a defendant is given two or more sentences that are meant to be served at the same time.
Explanation: The first example illustrates the archaic definition of concurrency, where two parties have joint right or authority. The second example illustrates the criminal procedure definition of concurrency, where a defendant is given multiple sentences that are meant to be served at the same time.