Original intent is a method of interpreting constitutional and statutory documents to understand the purpose and intent of those who drafted them. It can be used for academic or practical purposes, but can be controversial. It is often debated in regards to a country’s constitution, with some arguing that understanding intent is critical to understanding […]
A lien is a legal right to another party’s possession. A notice of intent to pledge is required in some jurisdictions before a lien can be filed. It should identify the party requesting payment, state the item subject to lien, and clarify why the party believes it has the right to take such action. A […]
A letter of intent outlines the intentions of both parties regarding a specific transaction, but may not be binding until a final purchase agreement is signed. There are many types of intent letters, and signing one can protect the interests of both parties if drafted correctly. It is important to thoroughly understand the content before […]
Specific intent is a state of mind required for certain convictions, where the person intends to take a specific action and is aware of the consequences. Crimes that require specific intent include robbery and theft. The defendant must have committed actions that would reasonably lead to the intended purpose. The prosecution must prove both the […]
Possession with intent to distribute is a serious offense involving knowing possession of an illegal item and the intention to offer it for sale. Penalties vary but usually involve jail time. The intention to distribute can be inferred from circumstances, and the severity of the penalty depends on the type of illegal item possessed. Bargaining […]
Legislative intent refers to the goals behind a law’s creation, often gathered from its history. Some argue it is irrelevant, while others use it to clarify gaps in laws. It plays a role in the judicial activism debate. Legislative intent refers to the goals that a legislative body was trying to achieve by passing a […]
The phrase “for all intents and purposes” originated in legal language and means “in most practical situations”. Malapropisms like “for all intensive purposes” corrupt its meaning. It’s best to use the phrase correctly to avoid confusion. The phrase for all intents and purposes or for all intents and purposes is often used in a variety […]
