Legal Definitions - run

In legal contexts, the term "run" can have several distinct meanings:

• 1. To expire or complete a prescribed period of time.

  This meaning refers to a specific timeframe, often a deadline or a period of validity, reaching its conclusion. Once the period has "run," certain legal rights, obligations, or opportunities may cease to exist or be enforceable.

  • Example 1: A homeowner discovers a defect in their newly constructed house five years after moving in. The builder's warranty, however, was for three years. The builder informs the homeowner that the warranty period has run, meaning the time limit for making a claim under the warranty has expired.

    Explanation: This illustrates that the three-year warranty period, a defined timeframe, has concluded, and its legal effect (the builder's obligation to repair) is no longer active.

  • Example 2: A creditor has a legal right to collect on an unpaid debt for a certain number of years, as defined by the statute of limitations. If the creditor waits beyond this period to file a lawsuit, the statute of limitations for that debt has run, potentially preventing them from legally recovering the money.

    Explanation: Here, "run" signifies that the statutory deadline for taking legal action to collect the debt has passed, which can bar the creditor's ability to sue.

• 2. To be attached to and transfer with land ownership.

  This refers to certain rights, obligations, or restrictions that are legally tied to a specific piece of property itself, rather than to a particular owner. When the land is sold or transferred, these legal provisions automatically go along with it, binding subsequent owners.

  • Example 1: A property owner sells their lakeside cabin, which includes a deed restriction prohibiting the construction of any structure taller than one story to preserve the view for neighboring properties. This restriction runs with the land, meaning the new owner is also bound by this height limitation, as it is tied to the property itself.

    Explanation: The height restriction is a legal obligation that is permanently linked to the property and transfers to any subsequent owner, demonstrating how it "runs with" the land.

  • Example 2: A homeowner's property includes a shared well agreement with an adjacent parcel, requiring both property owners to contribute to maintenance costs. This agreement runs with the land, so when the homeowner sells their property, the new owner automatically inherits the obligation to contribute to the well's upkeep.

    Explanation: The shared well agreement is a legal obligation that is bound to the land itself and applies to all future owners, illustrating that it "runs with" the property.

• 3. To apply or extend to a particular person, group, or circumstance.

  This describes the scope or reach of a legal rule, order, or judgment, indicating who or what it affects or where its authority extends.

  • Example 1: A court issues a non-compete order against a former employee. The order specifies that it runs against that individual, meaning its prohibitions on working for a competitor apply directly and solely to them.

    Explanation: "Runs against" clarifies that the court's order is legally binding and applicable to the specified person, defining the scope of its effect.

  • Example 2: A new city ordinance regulating noise levels is enacted. This ordinance runs throughout the entire municipal jurisdiction, meaning its provisions and requirements are legally enforceable in every neighborhood and district within the city limits.

    Explanation: This shows that the ordinance's legal authority and requirements extend across the specified geographic area, indicating its broad applicability.