Legal Definitions - hereby

Hereby is a formal adverb used primarily in legal documents, official statements, and formal declarations. It indicates that an action, declaration, or effect is being brought about *at the very moment* of speaking or writing, and *through the specific words or document* being used. Essentially, it means "by this act," "by this document," or "by these words," making the statement itself the instrument by which the action is performed and made legally effective.

• Example 1: Official Company Announcement

  A corporation's board of directors issues a public statement:

  "The Board of Directors hereby announces its decision to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately."

  Explanation: In this context, the board's announcement itself is the formal act that makes the CEO's appointment official and effective. The words in the statement are the instrument by which the decision is communicated and implemented.

• Example 2: Legal Contract or Agreement

  A clause within a commercial lease agreement might state:

  "The Lessor hereby agrees to maintain the structural integrity of the building throughout the lease term."

  Explanation: This signifies that the lessor's agreement to maintain the building is made binding and effective by the very words written in this specific lease document. The commitment is established and legally enforceable through the text of the agreement.

• Example 3: Formal Declaration or Oath

  During a naturalization ceremony, a new citizen might declare:

  "I hereby renounce all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty."

  Explanation: By speaking these words, the individual is formally and immediately performing the act of renouncing previous allegiances. The declaration itself, made in this specific context, is the legal instrument that brings about this change in status.