May
/meɪ/
Definitions
- (aux. v.) Expresses permission, possibility, or the conditional nature of an act within legal contexts.
You may enter the premises with prior authorization.
- (aux. v.) Indicates a formal granting of rights or consent by an authority or statute.
The tenant may terminate the lease with a 30-day written notice.
Forms
- may
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal drafting, 'may' conveys permissive or discretionary actions, distinct from 'shall' which imposes mandatory duties.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.