Legal Definitions - new

The term new refers to something that has recently come into existence, been introduced, or undergone a significant transformation from its previous state. It can also describe a person or entity that is unfamiliar with a particular environment or role, or a process that is commencing again from the beginning.

• Example 1: After months of public consultation, the state legislature passed a new environmental protection act, introducing stricter regulations on industrial emissions.

  Explanation: This example illustrates "new" as something recently created and formally established. The act did not exist in its current form before, representing a fresh legal framework.

• Example 2: A law firm hired a new associate attorney directly out of law school. While academically prepared, the associate is new to the practicalities of courtroom litigation.

  Explanation: Here, "new" applies in two ways: first, to the associate's recent entry into the firm, signifying a recent appointment. Second, it describes the associate's unfamiliarity with the specific hands-on experience of litigation, despite having general legal knowledge.

• Example 3: Due to a procedural error discovered during the appeal, the higher court mandated a newsentencing hearing for the defendant.

  Explanation: In this context, "new" signifies that the legal proceeding—the sentencing hearing—must be conducted again from the start. It represents a fresh beginning for that specific part of the legal action, replacing the flawed previous one.