Legal Definitions - equivocal

The term equivocal describes something that is open to more than one interpretation, making its meaning unclear or ambiguous. It can also refer to something of a questionable or doubtful nature, suggesting uncertainty about its truthfulness, intent, or character.

• Example 1: Witness Testimony

  During a trial, a key witness provided statements that contradicted earlier depositions regarding the timeline of events. When pressed for clarification, their answers remained vague and inconsistent.

  Explanation: The witness's testimony is equivocal because it is of doubtful character and lacks clarity. The conflicting and vague statements make it difficult for the court to determine the precise sequence of events or the witness's credibility, raising questions about the truthfulness of their account.

• Example 2: Contractual Language

  A business contract included a clause stating that "all reasonable efforts will be made to complete the project on time." However, the contract did not define what constitutes "reasonable efforts."

  Explanation: This contractual language is equivocal because it has more than one possible meaning. One party might interpret "reasonable efforts" as working standard business hours, while the other might expect overtime and weekend work. This ambiguity could lead to disputes over whether the terms of the contract were met.

• Example 3: Medical Assessment

  A doctor's note for an employee requesting leave stated, "The patient's condition is somewhat concerning, and further rest might be beneficial."

  Explanation: The doctor's assessment is equivocal because it is ambiguous and lacks specific details. The phrases "somewhat concerning" and "might be beneficial" are open to multiple interpretations by the employer, who needs clear information to approve or deny leave. The note doesn't definitively state the severity of the condition or the necessity of rest, making its meaning unclear.