Legal Definitions - letter

The term "letter" has several distinct meanings in a legal context, beyond its common use as a written message.

1. A formal or official written communication.

• Example 1: A law firm sends a demand letter to a company, formally requesting payment for an outstanding debt owed to their client. The letter outlines the amount due, the deadline for payment, and the potential legal actions if the debt remains unpaid.

  Explanation: This illustrates "letter" as a structured, official written communication intended to convey a legal request or warning from one party to another.

• Example 2: A government agency issues a warning letter to a business that has violated environmental regulations, detailing the specific infractions and the steps required to achieve compliance.

  Explanation: Here, the letter serves as an official communication from a regulatory body, informing the recipient of a legal issue and demanding corrective action.

2. A formal legal document, often issued by a court, that officially grants specific authority or rights to an individual or entity.

• Example 1: After a person passes away without a will, a court might issue Letters of Administration to a family member, officially authorizing them to manage the deceased person's estate, pay debts, and distribute assets according to law.

  Explanation: In this context, "letters" refers to a formal court order that bestows legal power and responsibility upon an individual to act on behalf of an estate.

• Example 2: When a minor child's parents are unable to care for them, a court may issue Letters of Guardianship to a relative or another suitable adult, granting them the legal authority to make decisions regarding the child's care, education, and well-being.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates "letters" as a judicial document that legally empowers a guardian with specific rights and duties over another person.

3. The exact, precise, and literal interpretation of words or rules, without considering underlying intent or broader context.

• Example 1: A building contractor strictly adheres to the letter of the contract, completing all specified tasks exactly as written, even if a slight deviation might have been more practical or efficient for the client, because the contract did not explicitly allow for such flexibility.

  Explanation: This illustrates interpreting the contract's terms in their most literal sense, focusing only on what is explicitly stated rather than the spirit or implied intent.

• Example 2: A company's employee handbook states that "no personal internet browsing is permitted during working hours." An employee is disciplined for briefly checking a news headline during a lunch break, as the manager chose to enforce the rule to the letter, despite the break not being "working hours" in the traditional sense.

  Explanation: Here, enforcing the rule "to the letter" means applying its exact wording without considering the context (lunch break) or the spirit of the rule (preventing productivity loss during paid work time).