Legal Definitions - drawing lots

Drawing lots refers to a method of making a choice or decision where the outcome is determined entirely by random chance. It involves participants selecting one item (a "lot") from a group of identical or indistinguishable items, with each item representing a different option or outcome. The selection is purely arbitrary, ensuring no bias influences the result.

• Example 1: Allocating a limited resource fairly.

  Imagine a small neighborhood association that has secured funding for three new community garden plots, but five families have applied for them. To ensure an impartial distribution, the association assigns a unique number to each applicant. All five numbers are then written on separate, identical slips of paper, folded, placed into a container, and thoroughly mixed. A neutral party then draws three slips of paper, and the families corresponding to those numbers are awarded the garden plots.

  This illustrates drawing lots because the selection of which families receive the garden plots is based solely on the random chance of which numbered slips are drawn from the container, ensuring fairness and removing any potential for favoritism.

• Example 2: Deciding an order of presentation.

  During a university seminar, four students are scheduled to present their research papers, but the professor needs to determine the order in which they will speak. To avoid any perceived bias or to give anyone an unfair advantage, the professor writes each student's name on a separate index card. The cards are then shuffled thoroughly, and the professor reveals them one by one to establish the speaking order for the day.

  Here, drawing lots is used to establish an unbiased sequence. The order of the student presentations is determined by the random arrangement of the shuffled cards, ensuring that no student is intentionally placed first or last.

• Example 3: Resolving a minor dispute.

  Two roommates are arguing over who gets to use the single parking space available for their apartment building for the upcoming month. After failing to reach an agreement through discussion, they decide to write "Parking Space" on one slip of paper and "Street Parking" on another. They fold both slips identically, place them into a bowl, and one roommate draws a slip, determining who gets the coveted spot for the month.

  This demonstrates drawing lots as a way to resolve a dispute based on pure chance. The outcome of who gets the parking space is decided entirely by the random selection of one of the two slips, providing an objective and final decision without further argument.