Legal Definitions - pertain

To "pertain" means to relate to or concern a particular subject or matter. In a legal context, something pertains if it is relevant or applicable to the issue at hand, such as evidence pertaining to a specific claim.

Pertinent describes something that is directly relevant, applicable, or connected to the specific issue, topic, or situation being discussed or examined. It signifies a direct and important bearing on the matter at hand, distinguishing it from information that might be interesting but not directly related.

• Example 1: During a city council meeting discussing a proposed zoning change for a new residential development, a resident presents a detailed report on the potential impact on local school overcrowding. This report contains pertinent information because school capacity is a direct consequence of new housing and is highly relevant to the council's decision.

  Explanation: The report on school overcrowding directly relates to the implications of the zoning change, making it crucial and relevant for the council members to consider before making their decision.

• Example 2: A journalist is investigating a story about a company's financial irregularities. She requests access to the company's internal audit reports and executive expense accounts. These documents are considered pertinent to her investigation.

  Explanation: The audit reports and expense accounts directly relate to the company's financial dealings and could reveal evidence of irregularities, making them highly relevant to the journalist's inquiry.

• Example 3: In a job interview for a software engineering position, the candidate describes their experience with various programming languages and their portfolio of past projects. This information is highly pertinent to the hiring manager's assessment.

  Explanation: The candidate's technical skills and work history directly relate to the requirements of the software engineering role, making them relevant for evaluating their suitability for the job.