Legal Definitions - man

The term man has several distinct meanings in legal and general contexts, often depending on the specific era or area of law being discussed.

• An adult male: This is the most common and literal interpretation, referring to a male person who has reached adulthood.

  • Example 1: A company's internal policy might state, "Only a licensed and bonded man may operate heavy machinery on this construction site."

    Explanation: In this scenario, "man" specifically refers to an adult male employee, indicating a gender-specific requirement or historical wording within the company's operational guidelines.

  • Example 2: A will might specify, "I bequeath my collection of antique watches to my grandson, provided he is a responsible man of at least twenty-one years of age at the time of my passing."

    Explanation: Here, "man" denotes an adult male, with the additional age requirement emphasizing that the heir must have reached both legal and social maturity as an adult male to inherit the specified items.

• A human being (gender-neutral individual): In broader legal or philosophical contexts, "man" can refer to any individual person, regardless of gender.

  • Example 1: A foundational legal text might assert, "The right to a fair trial is an inalienable right of every man, regardless of their station in life."

    Explanation: In this usage, "man" is employed in a gender-neutral sense to signify any individual human being, emphasizing that fundamental rights apply universally to all people.

  • Example 2: A judge, when discussing the inherent dignity of individuals, might state, "The law must protect the fundamental liberties of every man who stands before this court."

    Explanation: Here, "man" refers to any person appearing in court, underscoring the principle that all individuals are entitled to legal protection and respect for their liberties.

• Humankind (all people collectively): This usage refers to the entire human species or all people considered as a collective group.

  • Example 1: An international convention on cultural heritage might declare, "The preservation of ancient artifacts is a shared responsibility for all of man, ensuring future generations can appreciate their history."

    Explanation: In this context, "man" refers to the entirety of the human species or humankind, highlighting the collective duty of all people to protect cultural heritage.

  • Example 2: A preamble to a nation's constitution might begin, "We, the people, recognizing the inherent capacity of man for self-governance and the pursuit of justice..."

    Explanation: This use of "man" encompasses all people collectively, referring to the shared human ability to establish and maintain a just and self-governing society.

• Historically, a vassal or feudal tenant: In historical legal systems, particularly feudal ones, "man" could refer to an individual who owed allegiance and service to a lord in exchange for land or protection.

  • Example: Medieval land records might describe a lord granting a parcel of land to his "liege man" in exchange for military service and fealty.

    Explanation: This illustrates the historical meaning of "man" as a person bound by feudal obligations and allegiance to a superior, a concept distinct from its modern interpretations.