Tenure Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Tenure?

1\) The manner of holding the property and sometimes also known as right to hold. 2) In acedemics and job contracts, the professors or school teachers or employees are appointed in their post for initial probation period after which they are given the right to the job or guarantee that they would not be dismissed from the job. There are some criterias to be fullfilled during those probation period.

History and Meaning of Tenure

Tenure is a term that has multiple meanings depending on the context it is used in. Traditionally, tenure refers to the right to hold property or land. It was a concept that originated in medieval Europe when land was granted to knights in exchange for their loyalty and service to the monarch. In modern times, tenure is commonly used in the academic and employment sectors.

In the academic world, tenure refers to a system designed to protect academic freedom and encourages professors to pursue research and teaching without fear of being dismissed. The tenure system ensures that after a certain number of years, usually six to seven, a professor is granted a permanent position which protects them from arbitrary dismissal. The tenure review process typically involves an evaluation of a professor’s research, teaching, and service to the institution.

Examples of Tenure

  1. The landlord granted the tenant tenure over the property for a period of three years.
  2. The university awarded tenure to the professor after a rigorous review process.
  3. In many countries, judges are granted tenure to protect their independence and ensure they are not swayed by political pressure.

Related Terms

  1. Academic Freedom - the right of teachers and students to express their ideas and opinions without fear of censorship, retaliation, or repression.
  2. Probation Period - a period of time in a job contract during which an employee’s job performance is evaluated before they are granted tenure or permanent status.
  3. Employment Contract - a legally binding document between an employer and an employee that sets out the terms and conditions of employment.