Legal Definitions - oral

In legal terms, oral refers to anything that is communicated or expressed verbally, through spoken words, rather than in written form. It emphasizes that the communication is delivered aloud.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Oral Contract: Imagine a small business owner who verbally agrees with a freelance designer to create a new logo for a set fee. They shake hands and confirm the terms without signing any documents.

  Explanation: This is an oral contract because the entire agreement, including the scope of work and payment, was discussed and finalized through spoken communication, not through a written document.

• Oral Testimony: During a trial, a witness takes the stand and describes what they observed during an incident, answering questions from the attorneys and the judge.

  Explanation: This is oral testimony because the witness is providing their account and evidence by speaking aloud in court, rather than submitting a written statement or affidavit.

• Oral Argument: An attorney presents their client's case directly to a panel of appellate judges, explaining their legal reasoning and responding to questions from the bench.

  Explanation: This is an oral argument because the attorney is verbally presenting their legal points and persuading the judges through spoken discourse, rather than submitting a written brief at that specific stage.