Legal Definitions - hold

The term "hold" has several distinct meanings in a legal context, primarily used as a verb to describe various forms of possession, authority, or official action.

• To Possess by Lawful Title:

  This refers to having legal ownership or a legitimate right to something.

  • Example 1: "The art collector holds the authenticated painting with a clear bill of sale."

    Explanation: This means the art collector legally owns the painting, having acquired it through a valid transaction and possessing the necessary documentation to prove ownership.

  • Example 2: "A company can hold a patent, granting it exclusive rights to an invention."

    Explanation: Here, "hold" signifies the company's legal ownership of the patent, which provides a lawful monopoly over the patented invention for a specific period.

  • Example 3: "After inheriting the property, she now holds the deed in her name."

    Explanation: This illustrates that she has legal possession and ownership of the property, evidenced by the deed being registered in her name.

• (Of a Court) To Adjudge or Decide as a Matter of Law:

  When a court formally rules or determines a legal issue, as opposed to making a finding of fact.

  • Example 1: "The Supreme Court may hold that a particular state law violates the federal constitution."

    Explanation: This means the Supreme Court has made a definitive legal judgment, declaring the state law unconstitutional based on its interpretation of legal principles.

  • Example 2: "The judge will hold that the evidence presented is inadmissible."

    Explanation: This indicates the judge's formal legal decision that certain evidence cannot be used in court because it does not meet legal standards.

  • Example 3: "An appeals court might hold that the lower court misapplied the statute."

    Explanation: This signifies the appeals court's legal determination that the previous court made an error in interpreting or applying the relevant law.

• To Direct and Bring About Officially; To Conduct According to Law:

  To officially organize, manage, or carry out a formal event or process in accordance with legal requirements.

  • Example 1: "The city council must hold a public hearing before approving the new zoning plan."

    Explanation: This means the city council is legally required to organize and conduct a formal meeting where the public can voice opinions on the zoning plan.

  • Example 2: "Shareholders will hold their annual general meeting next month to elect new board members."

    Explanation: This refers to the formal organization and conducting of the meeting by the shareholders to fulfill their corporate governance duties.

  • Example 3: "The election commission is responsible for ensuring a fair process when they hold the national elections."

    Explanation: This means the commission is tasked with officially organizing and managing the entire election process according to established laws and procedures.

• To Keep in Custody or Under an Obligation:

  To legally detain someone or to make someone responsible or accountable for something.

  • Example 1: "The police can hold a suspect for questioning for a limited period after an arrest."

    Explanation: This means the police have the legal authority to keep the suspect in custody for a specific duration.

  • Example 2: "The contract will hold the contractor accountable for any delays in the project."

    Explanation: This signifies that the contract legally obligates the contractor to take responsibility for project delays.

  • Example 3: "The court decided to hold the parent responsible for the child's medical expenses."

    Explanation: This indicates the court's legal decision to impose an obligation on the parent to cover the child's medical costs.

• To Occupy Property Under an Agreement:

  To possess or use real estate under a formal agreement, such as a lease, often with conditions like paying rent.

  • Example 1: "The restaurant holds the commercial space under a ten-year lease agreement."

    Explanation: This means the restaurant occupies and uses the property based on a formal, long-term rental contract.

  • Example 2: "Many farmers in the region hold their land through agricultural tenancy agreements."

    Explanation: This refers to farmers occupying and cultivating land under specific legal arrangements that grant them usage rights, often in exchange for rent or a share of crops.

  • Example 3: "The tenant holds the apartment for one year, renewable annually."

    Explanation: This indicates the tenant has the right to occupy the apartment for a specified period according to the terms of their rental agreement.

• To Conduct or Preside At:

  To lead, oversee, or be in charge of a formal meeting, session, or proceeding.

  • Example 1: "The judge will hold court every weekday morning to hear motions."

    Explanation: This means the judge will preside over and conduct formal court sessions each morning to address legal requests.

  • Example 2: "The chairperson will hold the board meeting to discuss the company's quarterly performance."

    Explanation: This signifies that the chairperson will lead and direct the formal gathering of the board members.

  • Example 3: "The legislative committee decided to hold a special session to debate the urgent bill."

    Explanation: This means the committee will formally convene and preside over a dedicated meeting to discuss the specific piece of legislation.

• To Possess or Occupy an Office or Position:

  To be in a specific role, office, or position of authority or responsibility.

  • Example 1: "She currently holds the position of Chief Financial Officer at the multinational corporation."

    Explanation: This means she occupies and performs the duties associated with the role of CFO.

  • Example 2: "An elected official holds a seat in Congress for a specific term."

    Explanation: This refers to the official occupying their legislative role for the duration of their electoral mandate.

  • Example 3: "The university professor holds a tenured professorship in the history department."

    Explanation: This indicates the professor occupies a permanent academic position within the university.