Legal Definitions - visible

In a legal context, visible refers to something that can be perceived by the eye or is readily apparent and easily noticed. It implies not just the ability to be seen, but often also a degree of clarity, distinctness, or conspicuousness that makes it difficult to overlook.

• Imagine a real estate transaction where a buyer claims they were unaware of a significant crack in the foundation of a house. If the crack was large, unhidden by landscaping, and easily observable during a reasonable inspection, a court might determine it was a visible defect. This means it was clear enough for any reasonable person to see and notice, even without special tools or expertise.

• Consider a retail store displaying a sign that states "All sales final." For this disclaimer to be legally effective, it must be visible to customers. This means the sign should be prominently placed, clearly legible, and large enough that an average customer walking through the store would reasonably see and understand it before making a purchase, rather than being hidden behind a counter or printed in tiny font.

• In a criminal case, if a witness testifies that they saw the defendant's distinctive tattoo during an incident, and that tattoo was on the defendant's arm and not covered by clothing, it would be considered visible. This means the tattoo was clearly discernible to the witness, allowing for identification or providing corroborating evidence.