Legal Definitions - total

In legal terms, total refers to something that is complete, entire, or absolute, without any reservations, divisions, or remaining parts. It signifies the full extent or scope of a matter.

• Example 1: Insurance Claim

  Imagine a homeowner's property is severely damaged by a fire. After assessment, the insurance company declares the house a total loss. This means the damage is so extensive that the cost to repair it would exceed the property's market value, or it is simply beyond repair. The insurance company considers the property as *wholly* destroyed for the purpose of the claim, rather than just partially damaged.

• Example 2: Regulatory Prohibition

  A government agency might implement a total ban on the import of a certain type of endangered animal product. This signifies an *absolute* prohibition, meaning there are no exceptions or allowances for bringing that specific product into the country, regardless of quantity or purpose. The ban applies to the entire category of goods.

• Example 3: Legal Resolution

  Following a complex lawsuit, the opposing parties might reach a total settlement. This indicates that all outstanding claims, demands, and issues related to that specific dispute have been *completely* resolved and concluded. Neither party can bring forward any further legal action or claims concerning the matters covered by that settlement.