Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: HAD
Definition: When a law says that no legal action can be "had" or "maintained," it means that the action cannot be started or continued. For example, if someone wants to take away your house because you haven't paid your mortgage, the bank cannot start the process until they give you 30 days' notice. This is because no legal action can be "had" until that time has passed.
Definition: Commenced or begun, as used in a statute providing that no legal proceeding may be had (usually followed by the words or maintained).
Example: No action for foreclosure may be had or maintained until the debtor has been given at least 30 days' notice.
Explanation: This means that legal proceedings cannot begin or continue until the debtor has been given proper notice. In the example given, a foreclosure action cannot be started or continued until the debtor has been given at least 30 days' notice.