Legal Definitions - feigned

Feigned describes something that is not genuine or real, but rather pretended, simulated, or fictitious. It refers to an action, emotion, or condition that is deliberately put on or fabricated to deceive or mislead others.

Here are some examples to illustrate the meaning of "feigned":

• Imagine a situation where an individual claims to have suffered a severe back injury after a minor car accident, seeking a large insurance payout. However, surveillance footage later reveals them engaging in strenuous physical activities without any apparent discomfort. In this scenario, the individual's severe pain and limited mobility would be considered feigned, as they were pretending to be more injured than they actually were to secure financial compensation.

• Consider a business negotiation where one party, hoping to secure more favorable terms, declares that their company is on the verge of bankruptcy and cannot afford the proposed price. Later, it is discovered that the company is actually highly profitable and stable. The claim of impending bankruptcy was feigned, a deliberate misrepresentation of their financial health to gain an advantage in the negotiation.

• During a criminal trial, a defendant might attempt to avoid answering difficult questions by repeatedly stating they do not understand the prosecutor's simple inquiries, even after they have been rephrased multiple times. If the court determines, based on the defendant's prior education and clear communication in other contexts, that they are intentionally acting confused, their lack of understanding would be deemed feigned. This means they are pretending not to comprehend to evade providing direct answers or to delay proceedings.