Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: quaere
Prescribe means to give a rule or guideline that must be followed. It can also mean to claim ownership of something through a legal process called prescription. Sometimes, things can become invalid or unenforceable over time due to prescription.
Definition: To give an authoritative order or direction, or to claim ownership through long use.
Example 1: The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the patient's infection.
Example 2: The landowner prescribed ownership of the land through years of continuous use.
Explanation: In example 1, the doctor is giving an authoritative order to the patient to take antibiotics to treat their infection. In example 2, the landowner is claiming ownership of the land through long use, which is known as "prescriptive ownership."