Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: Federal Parent Locator Service
Effective means that something is working or achieving the desired result. It can refer to a law or agreement that is in effect at a certain time, or to a person or thing that is performing up to expected standards. It can also mean that something is productive and causing a specific outcome.
Definition: Effective, adjective. 1. Refers to a statute, order, contract, or any other legal document that is in operation at a specific time, such as "effective June 1st." 2. Refers to performing within the range of normal and expected standards, such as "effective counsel." 3. Refers to being productive and achieving a result, such as "effective cause."
The first example illustrates the first definition of effective, where a law becomes effective at a specific time. The second example illustrates the second definition of effective, where a lawyer performs within the expected standards of their profession. The third example illustrates the third definition of effective, where a vaccine is productive in achieving the desired result of preventing the spread of a disease.