Material Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Material, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Material?

(adj) The term ‘Material’ is used to denote the significance or relevance of any article, action or value with respect to the population of the article, effects of the action or total value involved to have an effect on the outcome

History and Meaning of Material

The term "material" is commonly used in a legal context to indicate the significance or relevance of something. The word has its roots in Latin, where "materia" referred to matter or substance. In legal language, the term material is used to refer to information or evidence that is crucial to proving or disproving a case.

Examples of Material

  1. In a criminal trial, a witness's testimony about seeing the defendant near the scene of the crime could be considered material evidence.
  2. In contract law, a breach of a material term of a contract would be a serious violation that could lead to termination of the agreement.
  3. In product liability suits, whether a defect is considered material or not could impact the manufacturer's liability.

Legal Terms Similar to Material

  1. Relevant: Information that has a logical connection to a legal case and could affect its outcome.
  2. Pertinent: Information that is directly related to the subject of a legal dispute.
  3. Substantial: Information or evidence that is of considerable importance or influence in a case.