Legal Definitions - lean

In legal contexts, the term lean describes a tendency or inclination shown by a judge, jury, or other decision-maker towards a particular argument, interpretation, or outcome in a case.

• During the oral arguments for a complex environmental lawsuit, the appellate judges seemed to lean towards the state's interpretation of the new clean water regulations, asking more challenging questions of the industry's legal counsel.

  Explanation: This example illustrates the judges' observable inclination or preference for the state's legal position, indicated by the nature of their questioning.

• After reviewing the evidence in the arbitration hearing, the arbitrator indicated they might lean against the employee's claim for additional compensation, suggesting that the employment contract clearly defined the severance terms.

  Explanation: Here, "lean against" describes the arbitrator's perceived unfavorable inclination or tendency in opinion towards the employee's argument, based on the contractual evidence.