Legal Definitions - temporary

In a legal context, temporary describes something that is intended to last or exist for a limited period, rather than being permanent or indefinite. It signifies a condition, status, or arrangement that is not fixed and is expected to change or conclude after a certain duration.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Temporary Employment

  A software company hires a developer on a temporarycontract to complete a specific project that is expected to last six months. Once the project is finished, the developer's contract will end.

  Explanation: This illustrates "temporary" because the developer's employment is explicitly for a defined, limited duration (six months) and is not intended to be a permanent position within the company.

• Example 2: Temporary Court Order

  Following an emergency hearing, a judge issues a temporary custody order, granting one parent sole custody of a child until a more comprehensive hearing can be held in a few weeks to determine a long-term arrangement.

  Explanation: The custody order is "temporary" because it is put in place for a limited time, serving as an interim solution until a final, more permanent decision can be made by the court.

• Example 3: Temporary Road Closure

  A city council approves a permit for a temporary road closure on Main Street for a community street fair, allowing the street to be blocked off to traffic for one full day on a Saturday.

  Explanation: The road closure is "temporary" because it is authorized only for a specific, limited duration (one day) for a particular event, after which the road will reopen to normal traffic flow.