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Legal Definitions - executed
Definition of executed
Executed has several distinct meanings in a legal context:
1. Of a Document: When a legal document, such as a contract, will, deed, or lease, has been formally signed by all required parties and all necessary legal formalities have been completed, making it legally effective and binding.
Example: After weeks of negotiation, both parties met with their attorneys to execute the final settlement agreement, formally signing the document to resolve their dispute.
Explanation: In this instance, "execute" refers to the act of signing and completing the legal document, thereby making the settlement legally binding.
Example: The elderly woman ensured her will was properly executed by signing it in the presence of two witnesses, as required by law, so her wishes for her estate would be legally valid.
Explanation: Here, "executed" means the will was signed and all legal requirements for its validity were met, making it an enforceable document.
2. Of an Obligation or Task: When the terms, duties, or obligations outlined in an agreement, court order, or legal requirement have been fully carried out, performed, or completed.
Example: The software developer successfully executed all the deliverables specified in the contract, including coding the new features and conducting user acceptance testing.
Explanation: This use of "executed" indicates that the developer fully performed and completed all the tasks and obligations agreed upon in the contract.
Example: The court order mandated that the property be transferred to the new owner, and the sheriff's department was responsible for executing this directive.
Explanation: Here, "executing" means carrying out or performing the specific action or duty required by the court order.
3. Of a Death Sentence: To carry out a death sentence imposed by a court as a form of capital punishment.
Example: Following years of appeals, the state proceeded to execute the convicted individual in accordance with the final judgment of the court.
Explanation: This specific legal usage refers to the act of carrying out the death penalty.
Simple Definition
In law, "executed" means something has been completed or fully performed, such as when all obligations of a contract are met. When referring to a legal document like a will or deed, it signifies that the document has been formally signed, making it legally effective. Separately, it can also mean someone has been put to death pursuant to a legal sentence.