Legal Definitions - PROC

Practicable refers to something that is realistically achievable or capable of being put into practice, considering the available resources, time, and circumstances. It implies that while a task or plan might be challenging, it is not impossible or overly burdensome to execute; it is feasible and sensible to undertake.

• Example 1: Urban Planning and Infrastructure

  A city council is discussing ways to reduce traffic congestion in the downtown area. One proposal is to build an underground tunnel system, while another suggests optimizing traffic light timing and creating dedicated bus lanes. Building an extensive underground tunnel, while potentially effective, might not be practicable due to the enormous cost, geological challenges, and significant disruption it would cause during construction. In contrast, optimizing traffic lights and adding bus lanes would likely be considered more practicable solutions, as they are less expensive, quicker to implement, and cause less disruption.

• Example 2: Workplace Safety Regulations

  A manufacturing company is required by law to ensure the safety of its employees. An inspector notes that a particular machine has a moving part that could cause injury. Installing a simple, inexpensive guard over the moving part would be a practicable safety measure. However, completely redesigning the entire machine from scratch to eliminate the moving part, while theoretically safer, would likely not be practicable due to the prohibitive cost, time, and engineering resources required, especially if the guard provides adequate protection.

• Example 3: Environmental Conservation Efforts

  A local community group wants to clean up a polluted river. One idea is to manually remove all visible trash and debris from the riverbanks and water. Another suggestion is to install filtration systems along the river's tributaries to prevent future pollution. Manually cleaning the river is a practicable first step, as it can be organized with volunteers and basic equipment. However, installing complex, large-scale filtration systems across multiple tributaries might not be immediately practicable for a community group due to the high cost, technical expertise needed, and regulatory approvals required, making it a longer-term goal rather than an immediate action.