Legal Definitions - practicable

In legal terms, practicable refers to something that is feasible, achievable, or capable of being done with reasonable effort and without undue difficulty or cost, given the specific circumstances. It implies a realistic and sensible approach, rather than an absolute or impossible standard. When a law or regulation uses "practicable," it means that an action should be taken if it is realistically possible and sensible to do so, considering all relevant factors.

• Example 1: Workplace Safety Notification

  A company's internal safety policy states that employees must report any equipment malfunction or safety hazard to their supervisor "as soon as practicable."

  This means an employee should report the issue promptly, as soon as they become aware of it and can reasonably do so, without unnecessary delay. It doesn't demand an instantaneous report if immediate action is impossible or unsafe (e.g., if the employee is in immediate danger), but rather a timely report once it is realistically possible and safe to communicate the information.

• Example 2: Environmental Emission Standards

  Environmental regulations might require industrial facilities to install pollution control technology that reduces harmful emissions "to the lowest practicable level."

  In this context, it means the facility must implement the most effective technology that is realistically achievable, considering factors such as current technological capabilities, economic viability, and operational constraints. It does not demand the elimination of all emissions at any cost, but rather the maximum reduction that can be sensibly and reasonably accomplished without rendering the facility's operation impossible or prohibitively expensive.

• Example 3: Public Records Access

  A state's public records law mandates that government agencies must make requested documents available for inspection "within a practicable timeframe."

  This implies that the agency must provide access to the records as quickly as can reasonably be expected, taking into account various factors. These might include the volume and complexity of the request, the need for legal review or redactions, and the agency's current staffing and workload. It sets a standard of reasonable diligence rather than an arbitrary fixed deadline that might be impossible to meet for large or complicated requests.