Must
/mʌst/
Definitions
- (aux. v.) Expresses a legal obligation or necessity.
Parties must comply with the terms of the contract.
- (n.) A mandatory requirement imposed by law or regulation.
Filing the report on time is a must to avoid penalties.
Forms
- must
Related terms
See also
Commentary
'Must' is used to convey compulsory duties or requirements in legal drafting; it is stronger than 'should' but less formal than 'shall' in some jurisdictions.
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.