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LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

May

Read a random definition: reasonable speed

A quick definition of May:

The word "may" means that something is possible or allowed, but it doesn't have to happen. It's different from the word "shall," which means something is required. Sometimes "may" can mean something is required, but only if it's really clear from the context. In laws and contracts, "may" usually means you have a choice or permission to do something.

A more thorough explanation:

The word “may” is used to express possibility and give permission to act or not. It usually implies some degree of discretion. This is different from the word “shall,” which is typically used to indicate a mandatory provision.

For example, in the context of statutes, the word “may” is generally interpreted as permissive, while “shall” is interpreted as mandatory. However, in some cases, the word “may” can be interpreted as mandatory depending on the context in which it is used.

Here are some common uses of the word “may” in a legal sense:

  • In statutes, the word “may” is usually interpreted as permissive. For instance, a statute may state that a person “may” do something, which means they have the option to do it or not.
  • In contracts, the word “may” means possibility, permission, liberty, or power. It does not indicate a mandatory requirement. For example, a contract may state that a party “may” terminate the agreement, which means they have the option to do so.

Overall, the word “may” is used to give permission and express possibility, but it is important to consider the context in which it is used to determine whether it is permissive or mandatory.

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General chat about the legal profession.
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JumpySubsequentDolphin
16:40
I think he’s haunting me
babycat
16:40
:(
babycat
16:40
that's too bad
babycat
16:40
you still have me though <3
@babycat: you make my day marginally happier with your scathing wit
16:43
New Father John Misty album out today
16:44
People saying it’s his best yet by far
babycat
16:45
what would I do without you renard99
awww ty wasp :)
i have 4 (baby) cats!
16:46
Damn you know her sarcasm is meant to be scathing when she calls me by my full username and not just Renard
JumpySubsequentDolphin
16:47
@jackfrost11770: FOUR?!??
16:48
I’m only teasing Babycat ily I’ll be seeing you in [REDACTED] very very soon
YES
and they're all rescues from breeders so they're all long haired persians .... w flat faces ....
they're all runts cause breeders just ... dispose of them (:(((() so they're all super tiny
literal babies
babycat
16:49
ily2 renard99
initiallaw
16:49
omg so cute
JumpySubsequentDolphin
16:51
@jackfrost11770: IM SO JEALOUS
2big2fail
16:52
perhaps peggerdine this evening
2big2fail
16:52
but then again, perhaps not
JumpySubsequentDolphin
16:53
damn no ucla wave
16:56
Hey guys! chance me 340/340GRE- 2 years work experience at PIL and wrote compelling statements. but my masters gpa is kinda 3.1 because I was domestically abused. :p
babycat
16:59
schools mostly care about your undergrad GPA
umarrussell
17:07
whats a good GRE score
1a2b3c4d26z
17:07
100% chance at getting into a law school
umarrussell
17:07
i feel like you have to score fairly high to get in with GRE
1a2b3c4d26z
17:07
isn't 340 perfect?
1a2b3c4d26z
17:08
So i feel like they're fine
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