Legal Definitions - give

In legal contexts, the term "give" refers to several distinct actions, often involving the transfer of property, rights, or information.

• 1. To voluntarily transfer property to another without expecting compensation.

  This meaning refers to the act of bestowing ownership of an item or asset upon someone else, purely as a gift, with no payment or exchange required in return.

  • Example 1: After graduating from college, a grandmother decided to give her granddaughter a significant sum of money to help with a down payment on a house.

    Explanation: Here, the grandmother is voluntarily transferring money (property) to her granddaughter without receiving anything in return, illustrating a gift.

  • Example 2: A renowned art collector chose to give several valuable paintings from his private collection to a public museum.

    Explanation: The collector is transferring ownership of the paintings (property) to the museum as a donation, without expecting financial compensation.

• 2. To confer or grant something through a formal or legal act.

  This usage describes the act of officially bestowing a right, power, or status, often by a governing body, a legal document, or a specific law.

  • Example 1: The state constitution was amended to give all eligible citizens the right to vote in local and national elections.

    Explanation: The constitution, through a formal act, is granting or conferring the right to vote upon citizens.

  • Example 2: A newly enacted federal statute will give the environmental protection agency broader authority to regulate industrial emissions.

    Explanation: The statute, a formal legal act, is conferring new powers and authority upon a government agency.

• 3. To present information, evidence, or testimony for consideration.

  In this context, "give" means to offer or provide facts, statements, or arguments to another party, typically in a formal setting like a court or a meeting, for them to review and evaluate.

  • Example 1: During the trial, the expert witness was asked to give their professional opinion on the structural integrity of the collapsed building.

    Explanation: The expert witness is presenting their informed opinion for the court's consideration.

  • Example 2: The prosecutor had to give a detailed opening statement to the jury, outlining the evidence they intended to present.

    Explanation: The prosecutor is presenting information and arguments for the jury to consider as the trial begins.

• 4. (Of a jury) To impose or award a specific outcome as part of a verdict.

  This refers to a jury's decision to determine and declare a particular penalty, compensation, or finding in a legal case, which then becomes part of their official verdict.

  • Example 1: In the civil lawsuit, the jury decided to give the injured plaintiff $500,000 in damages for medical expenses and lost wages.

    Explanation: The jury, through its verdict, is awarding a specific monetary amount to the plaintiff.

  • Example 2: After deliberating for two days, the jury chose to give a verdict of "not guilty" for the defendant accused of fraud.

    Explanation: The jury is imposing a specific finding (not guilty) as the outcome of the trial.