Legal Definitions - establish

To establish, in a legal context, refers to either creating something new and enduring, such as a law, organization, or system, or to definitively proving a fact or claim through evidence.

• Example 1 (Creating an Entity or System):

  A state legislature voted to establish a new independent commission tasked with overseeing ethical conduct for public officials.

  Explanation: In this instance, "establish" means to bring a new governmental body into existence, giving it a permanent role, structure, and legal authority within the state's framework.

• Example 2 (Proving a Fact or Claim):

  During a criminal trial, the defense attorney presented a series of financial records and witness testimonies to establish that her client had a solid alibi for the time of the alleged crime.

  Explanation: Here, "establish" refers to the act of proving or demonstrating the truth of a specific fact (the alibi) using presented evidence, with the goal of convincing the court or jury.

• Example 3 (Forming an Organization with Rules):

  A group of local residents worked together to establish a neighborhood watch program, creating its bylaws and electing its first set of officers to ensure community safety.

  Explanation: This example illustrates "establish" as the act of bringing an organization or system into being, including setting up its foundational rules, structure, and initial leadership.