Legal Definitions - immediately

In legal contexts, the term immediately does not always mean "at the exact instant" but rather "as soon as reasonably possible under the circumstances, without any unjustified delay or excuse." It implies a requirement for prompt action, prioritizing the task without allowing for procrastination or unnecessary postponement.

• Example 1: Court Order for Document Production

  A judge issues an order stating, "The defendant must produce all requested financial documents immediately." This does not mean the defendant must hand over the documents within seconds of the order. Instead, it means they must begin the process of gathering and preparing the documents for submission without delay, dedicating reasonable resources to complete the task as quickly as practically feasible, perhaps within a day or two depending on the volume, but certainly not waiting weeks.

• Example 2: Contractual Obligation for Repair

  A construction contract includes a clause stating that if a significant structural defect is discovered, the contractor must begin corrective repairs immediately. This doesn't demand that work commences within minutes of discovery. It means the contractor must promptly assess the issue, mobilize the necessary personnel and equipment, and start the repair process as soon as is logistically sound and safe, rather than scheduling it for a later, more convenient date.

• Example 3: Reporting a Safety Hazard

  An employee discovers a serious safety hazard in the workplace and is legally required by company policy and safety regulations to report it immediately. This means the employee should not wait until the end of their shift, or until their supervisor is available, or until they have gathered more information. They must report the hazard to the appropriate authority as soon as they become aware of it, taking the most direct and prompt action possible to ensure the hazard can be addressed quickly.