Legal Definitions - raise

Legally, "raise" primarily means to increase an amount or value, which can include fraudulently altering a negotiable instrument. It also signifies gathering or collecting something, such as funds, or bringing a matter forward for discussion or consideration. Additionally, it can refer to creating or establishing an inference.

In a legal context, the verb raise refers to several distinct actions, depending on the situation:

• To increase in amount or value: This refers to making something larger in quantity, cost, or worth.

  • Example 1: A landlord decided to raise the monthly rent for all tenants by 5% due to increased property taxes.

    Explanation: Here, "raise" means to increase the financial amount of the rent.

  • Example 2: The company announced it would raise its dividend payout to shareholders, reflecting a strong financial quarter.

    Explanation: In this instance, "raise" signifies an increase in the value or amount of money distributed to investors.

• To gather or collect: This involves accumulating resources, typically money or support, for a specific purpose.

  • Example 1: The political candidate held several events across the state to raise campaign contributions from supporters.

    Explanation: "Raise" in this context means to collect or accumulate funds for the campaign.

  • Example 2: A local community group worked to raise awareness and volunteers for their annual park clean-up initiative.

    Explanation: Here, "raise" refers to the act of gathering or mobilizing support and participation from the community.

• To bring up for discussion or consideration; to introduce or put forward: This means to present an idea, question, or issue for others to think about or debate.

  • Example 1: During the trial, the defense attorney chose to raise an objection regarding the prosecutor's line of questioning.

    Explanation: The attorney is introducing or putting forward a formal challenge for the judge to consider.

  • Example 2: A board member decided to raise the topic of employee wellness programs at the next company meeting.

    Explanation: This illustrates bringing a subject forward for discussion and consideration by the board.

• To create or establish: This refers to the act of causing something to come into existence, such as an inference, presumption, or duty.

  • Example 1: The defendant's consistent refusal to answer questions during the investigation began to raise a strong inference of guilt in the minds of the jury.

    Explanation: The defendant's actions caused or established a particular conclusion or belief to form.

  • Example 2: A specific clause in the contract was designed to raise a clear duty for the contractor to complete the project by a certain date.

    Explanation: The clause creates or establishes a legal obligation for the contractor.

• To increase the stated amount of (a negotiable instrument) by fraudulent alteration: This specifically refers to illegally changing the face value of a financial document to a higher amount.

  • Example 1: An individual attempted to raise a promissory note from $1,000 to $10,000 by altering the written amount.

    Explanation: This describes the fraudulent act of increasing the stated monetary value on a legal financial document.

  • Example 2: The bank teller noticed that someone had tried to raise the amount on a money order before attempting to cash it.

    Explanation: Here, "raise" refers to the illegal modification of a negotiable instrument to reflect a higher sum.