Legal Definitions - means

In legal contexts, "means" primarily refers to a person's available financial resources, such as income or assets, often considered in relation to their ability to pay debts or provide support. It can also denote a method, instrument, or cause employed to achieve a specific objective or outcome.

In legal contexts, the term means can refer to two distinct concepts:

• Financial Capacity or Resources: This refers to a person's available financial assets, income, and overall ability to pay debts, support themselves, or meet other financial obligations. It often determines eligibility for certain benefits or the extent of financial responsibility.

  • Example 1 (Child Support): When a court determines child support payments, it will assess each parent's means, considering their salary, investments, and other assets, to ensure the support order is fair and sustainable.

    Explanation: Here, "means" directly refers to the parents' financial resources and capacity to provide monetary support for their children.

  • Example 2 (Eligibility for Public Assistance): An individual applying for government housing assistance or food stamps must demonstrate that their financial means fall below a specific income and asset threshold to qualify for aid.

    Explanation: This illustrates "means" as the financial resources an individual possesses, which are used to determine their eligibility for a service based on financial need.

• Method or Instrument: This refers to the way, method, or tool used to achieve a particular outcome or purpose.

  • Example 3 (Contractual Dispute Resolution): A business contract might specify that any disputes between the parties must be resolved through the means of binding arbitration rather than traditional court litigation.

    Explanation: In this scenario, "means" refers to the specific method or process (arbitration) chosen by the parties to resolve disagreements.