Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: or
Definition: "Or" is a word that means you have a choice between two things. For example, if you see a sign that says "Hot dogs or hamburgers," you can choose to have either a hot dog or a hamburger. When it comes to legal documents, "or" is used to show that one person or the other has the right to do something. For instance, if a car is owned by "Mary or Bill Davidson," it means that either Mary or Bill can sell or transfer the car, but not both of them together.
or
Conjunction used to present a choice between two options. It means "either" or "in the alternative."
These examples illustrate how "or" is used to present a choice between two options. In the first example, the choice is between pizza or pasta. In the second example, the choice is between studying French or Spanish. In the third example, the choice is between attending the concert on Saturday or Sunday.
It is important to note that "or" is different from "and." When "or" is used, only one of the options can be chosen. When "and" is used, both options must be chosen.
Understanding the difference between "or" and "and" is important in legal documents, such as contracts and titles. For example, if a car title is written as "Mary or Bill Davidson," either Mary or Bill can transfer the car. However, if the title is written as "Mary and Bill Davidson," both Mary and Bill must sign to change the title.