Legal Definitions - hand

hand

• A person's handwriting

  This refers to something that has been personally written by an individual.

  • Example 1: During a probate case, a handwritten letter found among the deceased's belongings was authenticated as being entirely in the testator'shand, confirming its validity as a codicil to their will.
    Explanation: This illustrates that the letter was personally written by the individual, making its authenticity important for legal purposes.
  • Example 2: A suspect's confession, if entirely written by them without coercion, might be presented as evidence, demonstrating it was in their own hand.
    Explanation: Here, "in their own hand" emphasizes that the document was personally penned by the suspect, lending weight to its origin.
• Involvement or participation

  This signifies that someone played an active role or contributed to an event or action.

  • Example 1: The prosecutor argued that the defendant had a significant hand in planning the corporate fraud, even if they weren't the primary instigator.
    Explanation: This indicates the defendant's active participation and contribution to the fraudulent scheme.
  • Example 2: An investigative journalist revealed that several public officials had a hand in approving the controversial zoning change.
    Explanation: This highlights the officials' involvement and influence in the decision-making process.
• One who performs work or labor

  This refers to an individual employed to perform manual labor or specific tasks, often in a physical capacity.

  • Example 1: The ranch owner hired several extra hands for the cattle drive during the busy season.
    Explanation: This refers to individuals employed to perform the physical work associated with managing the cattle.
  • Example 2: A construction foreman needed more hands on the site to meet the project deadline.
    Explanation: This refers to additional laborers required to perform the physical tasks of construction.
• Possession or control

  This denotes having custody, control, or responsibility over an item, property, or situation. It is often used in the plural.

  • Example 1: After the raid, the confiscated counterfeit goods were in the hands of the federal agents.
    Explanation: This means the federal agents now had physical custody and control over the seized items.
  • Example 2: Once the contract was signed, the responsibility for its execution was in the hands of the project manager.
    Explanation: This indicates that the project manager now had the authority and responsibility for managing the contract.
• Assistance

  This means to provide help, support, or aid to someone or for a particular task.

  • Example 1: The senior attorney asked the paralegal to lend a hand with organizing the extensive discovery documents.
    Explanation: This is a request for the paralegal to provide assistance in sorting and arranging the documents.
  • Example 2: During the emergency, local volunteers offered a helping hand to distribute supplies to affected residents.
    Explanation: This signifies the volunteers providing aid and support to those in need.
• A measure of length for equines

  This is a specific unit of measurement, equal to four inches, primarily used to describe the height of horses and other equines.

  • Example 1: The show jumper was a magnificent animal, standing at 17 hands tall at the shoulder.
    Explanation: This uses the traditional unit of "hands" to specify the horse's height, where 17 hands equals 68 inches.
  • Example 2: A small pony might be described as standing 12 hands, making it suitable for younger riders.
    Explanation: This indicates the pony's height using the standard equine measurement, meaning it is 48 inches tall.
• (Historically) An oath

  In historical contexts, this referred to a solemn promise or pledge, often accompanied by a physical gesture like shaking hands.

  • Example 1: In medieval times, a vassal would give his hand to his lord as a sign of fealty and loyalty.
    Explanation: This represents a formal and binding vow of allegiance made by the vassal.
  • Example 2: The two merchants, after a long negotiation, gave their hand on the deal, signifying a binding agreement.
    Explanation: This illustrates a solemn promise to uphold the terms of their trade agreement.
• An aspect or side of an issue

  This refers to a particular perspective, viewpoint, or side of an argument or discussion, often used when presenting contrasting ideas.

  • Example 1: When considering the new environmental regulations, on the one hand, they could protect natural resources, but on the other hand, they might increase costs for businesses.
    Explanation: This presents two different, often opposing, aspects or consequences of the proposed regulations.
  • Example 2: The judge weighed the arguments: on the one hand, the defendant had a clean record, but on the other hand, the severity of the crime was undeniable.
    Explanation: This illustrates the judge considering two distinct factors or perspectives in reaching a decision.
• (Verb) To give or deliver

  As a verb, "hand" means to physically pass or deliver something to another person.

  • Example 1: The clerk asked the customer to hand over their identification before processing the transaction.
    Explanation: This is a request for the customer to physically give their ID to the clerk.
  • Example 2: The attorney instructed their assistant to hand the confidential file directly to the senior partner.
    Explanation: This means the assistant should physically deliver the file to the senior partner.