Legal Definitions - legal

The term legal broadly refers to anything connected with or pertaining to the law.

More specifically, it can describe:

• Something that is established, required, or permitted by law, meaning it is lawful or in compliance with regulations.
• A process, document, or action that falls within the domain of the law, often requiring the involvement of legal professionals or adherence to legal procedures.
• Historically, and sometimes still in specific contexts, it distinguished between remedies provided by courts of law (typically monetary compensation, known as "legal relief" or "legal damages") versus non-monetary remedies from courts of equity (such as specific performance or injunctions, known as "equitable relief"). Today, most courts can provide both types of remedies.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of "legal":

• Example 1: Relating to Law

  A technology startup is developing a new mobile application and needs to create a privacy policy and terms of service. They engage a law firm for a legal review of these documents.

  Explanation: In this context, "legal review" signifies that the process involves examining the documents through the lens of relevant laws and regulations (like data privacy laws or consumer protection statutes) to ensure compliance and protect the company from potential liabilities. It is a matter directly pertaining to the law.

• Example 2: Permitted by Law (Lawful)

  A city council passes a new ordinance allowing food trucks to operate in designated public parks, provided they obtain the necessary permits and adhere to health codes. A food truck owner who follows these rules is operating a legal business.

  Explanation: Here, "legal" means that the food truck's operation is permitted and authorized by the city's laws and regulations. It is acting within the bounds of what the law allows, making its activities lawful.

• Example 3: Legal Relief (Monetary Damages)

  After a pedestrian is injured due to a driver's negligence, a court orders the driver to pay the pedestrian $50,000 to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

  Explanation: This monetary award is a form of "legal relief" or "legal damages." It is a financial compensation intended to restore the injured party to the financial position they were in before the incident occurred, which is a traditional remedy provided by courts of law.