Shall
/ʃæl/
Definitions
- (v.) Expresses a mandatory or obligatory action in legal documents.
The lessee shall pay rent on the first day of each month.
- (v.) Indicates a future action or event in certain legal contexts.
The court shall issue its ruling within 30 days.
Forms
- shall
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal drafting, "shall" denotes mandatory requirements but can cause ambiguity; modern practice favors "must" for clarity.
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.