Legal Definitions - or

In legal contexts, the word "or" is used to present alternatives, indicating that any one of the listed options or conditions is sufficient to satisfy a requirement or achieve a specified outcome. It signifies a choice where fulfilling one part of the statement makes the entire statement true. This is a critical distinction from "and," which requires all listed conditions to be met.

• Contractual Notice: Imagine a lease agreement that outlines how a tenant must inform their landlord about moving out. The contract might state: "The tenant must provide written notice of their intent to vacate the premises by sending a letter via certified mail or by delivering it in person to the landlord's office."

  Explanation: This means the tenant has two acceptable ways to provide notice. Sending the letter by certified mail alone is sufficient, *or* delivering it in person alone is also sufficient. The tenant does not need to do both; fulfilling either condition satisfies the contractual requirement.

• Eligibility Criteria: Consider the qualifications for a professional certification. The requirements might state: "To qualify for the advanced professional certification, an applicant must possess a master's degree in a relevant field or have five years of documented experience in a supervisory role."

  Explanation: This illustrates that an applicant can meet the qualification by having *either* a master's degree *or* five years of supervisory experience. They don't need both; fulfilling one of these conditions is enough to satisfy the eligibility requirement for the certification.

• Conditions for Inheritance: In a will, a testator might set conditions for a beneficiary to receive an inheritance. For example: "My grandchild, Sarah, shall inherit the trust fund upon reaching the age of 25 or upon successful completion of a four-year university degree."

  Explanation: Sarah will receive the inheritance once *either* she turns 25 *or* she finishes her university degree, whichever event occurs first. She does not need to satisfy both conditions; fulfilling one is sufficient to trigger the inheritance.