Legal Definitions - ground

In a legal context, a ground refers to the fundamental reason, justification, or basis upon which a legal claim, argument, or action is built and considered valid. To ground something means to establish or base it on such a reason or principle.

• Example 1 (Noun - Basis for a Claim):

  A tenant decides to sue their landlord for failing to address a persistent plumbing issue that caused significant water damage to their apartment. The tenant's lawsuit is brought on the ground that the landlord breached the lease agreement by failing to maintain a habitable living environment.

  Explanation: The landlord's failure to provide a habitable living space is the specific, legally recognized reason or justification that allows the tenant to pursue their claim in court.

• Example 2 (Noun - Basis for an Objection):

  During a criminal trial, the prosecutor asks a witness about something they heard a third party say outside of court. The defense attorney immediately objects, stating that the question is improper on the ground of hearsay.

  Explanation: "Hearsay" is the specific legal rule that prohibits out-of-court statements offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, providing the fundamental reason for the attorney's objection.

• Example 3 (Verb - Basis for a Decision or Law):

  A state legislature passes a new law requiring all new public buildings to meet stringent energy efficiency standards. This legislation is grounded on the state's commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

  Explanation: The principles of environmental sustainability and carbon reduction serve as the core foundational reasons and policy objectives that justify and support the creation of the new energy efficiency law.