Legal Definitions - determination

In legal contexts, a determination refers to either a conclusive decision or official finding made by an authorized body, or the ending or expiration of a legal right, interest, or agreement.

• 1. A Final Decision or Official Finding: This sense refers to a definitive ruling, judgment, or conclusion reached by a court, an administrative agency, or another body with the authority to decide a matter. It signifies the resolution of a specific issue or the establishment of an official fact.

  • Example 1 (Court Decision): After reviewing all evidence and testimony in a child custody dispute, a family court judge issues an order specifying the primary residential parent and the visitation schedule for the children.

    Explanation: This order represents the court's determination of the custody arrangement, providing a final and binding decision on that specific issue in the case.

  • Example 2 (Administrative Agency Finding): Following an audit, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sends a taxpayer a notice stating that certain deductions claimed on their tax return were disallowed, resulting in additional taxes owed.

    Explanation: This notice communicates the IRS's determination regarding the validity of the taxpayer's deductions, establishing an official finding on the matter.

• 2. The Ending or Expiration of a Right, Interest, or Agreement: This sense refers to the termination or cessation of a legal right, an interest in property, or a contractual agreement, often due to a specific event, condition, or the passage of time.

  • Example 1 (Property Right): A homeowner grants a neighbor a temporary right-of-way across their driveway, with the written agreement stating that this right will automatically cease upon the neighbor selling their adjacent property.

    Explanation: The sale of the neighbor's property triggers the determination of the temporary right-of-way, meaning the neighbor's legal permission to use the driveway expires at that point.