Legal Definitions - or

In legal contexts, "or" signifies an alternative, meaning that any one of the listed options is sufficient to satisfy a condition or requirement. This is a crucial distinction from "and," which typically demands that all listed conditions or parties must be met or involved.

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.