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Legal Definitions - direction

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Definition of direction

The term "direction" carries several distinct meanings in a legal context, often referring to guidance, command, or the overall course of action.

  • Formal Instruction or Command

    In this sense, "direction" refers to a formal instruction, order, or command issued by a court, a judge, or a supervising authority, detailing how a party or process should proceed.

    • Example 1: After both sides presented their cases, the judge gave the jury specific directions regarding the legal standards they must apply when deliberating on the evidence.

      Explanation: Here, "directions" refers to the formal, binding instructions from the judge that guide the jury's decision-making process according to the law.

    • Example 2: The appellate court issued a direction to the lower court, instructing it to reconsider certain aspects of its previous ruling based on a new interpretation of the law.

      Explanation: This illustrates "direction" as a formal command from a higher court, mandating a specific action or review by a subordinate court.

  • Overall Course or Focus

    "Direction" can also describe the general path, aim, or strategic focus of a legal proceeding, an investigation, or an argument.

    • Example 1: The prosecutor decided to change the direction of the investigation, shifting focus from a conspiracy theory to individual accountability after new evidence emerged.

      Explanation: This use of "direction" signifies the chosen strategic path or primary focus of the legal inquiry.

    • Example 2: During the settlement negotiations, the plaintiff's attorney indicated that the direction of their demands was primarily aimed at securing compensation for lost wages, rather than punitive damages.

      Explanation: Here, "direction" refers to the main objective or strategic emphasis of the legal argument or negotiation.

  • Governing Body (Corporate Context)

    In corporate law, "direction" can refer to the board of directors or the collective governing body responsible for overseeing the management and strategic decisions of a company or organization.

    • Example: The company's direction held an emergency meeting to address the sudden drop in stock value and approve a new crisis management plan.

      Explanation: In this context, "direction" acts as a collective noun for the board of directors, highlighting their role as the ultimate decision-making and oversight authority within the corporation.

Simple Definition

In a legal context, "direction" primarily refers to an order or instruction, such as a judge's command to a jury on how to proceed. It can also mean the guidance or management of an entity, like a board of directors, or the formal address to the court contained within a bill of equity.