Shall Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Shall?

(n) The word shall is used to qualify an action which is mandatory but can be construed as required considering the situation , circumstances and wordings used to express such action.

History and Meaning of Shall

The word "shall" is a widely used legal term that pertains to the mandatory and non-volitional performance of an act or duty. This term has been in use since ancient times and its use in legal documents can be traced back to the Magna Carta. It is often used as a modal verb, which expresses a quality or action in a sentence, and its specific meaning can vary depending on the context of the sentence.

Examples of Shall

  1. "The defendant shall pay a fine of $500."
  2. "All parties shall cooperate with the discovery process."
  3. "The court shall grant the injunction requested by the plaintiff."

Legal Terms Similar to Shall

  1. Must - This term is used to denote a mandatory requirement, typically used when the action requested is essential to meet a legal obligation or to achieve a particular outcome.
  2. Will - This term is used to denote a future action that is certain to occur, typically when the person making the statement has the authority or control to ensure that the action occurs.
  3. May - This term is used to denote a discretionary action, typically when the person making the statement has the authority or discretion to grant permission or allow an action to occur.