commence

Legal ProcedureLegal glossary term

Legal Definition

The act of beginning or initiating a formal process, action, or legal proceeding; the formal commencement of an obligation or duty.

Plain-English Translation

It means starting something official, like starting a lawsuit or a contract. When you 'commence' something, it means officially starting the action or agreement.

Context in Contracts

It is crucial because it formally starts the timeline for litigation, the execution of a contract, or the initiation of regulatory compliance checks. It establishes the starting point for accountability and dispute resolution.

Visual model

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01

Commencing a lawsuit by filing the initial complaint.

02

Commencing a regulatory review process.

Document context

How commence shows up in legal documents

What is it?

The formal beginning of a legal action, a contractual obligation, or a procedural step within a legal context.

Why does it matter?

It is crucial because it formally starts the timeline for litigation, the execution of a contract, or the initiation of regulatory compliance checks. It establishes the starting point for accountability and dispute resolution.

When does it matter?

When initiating a lawsuit, filing a complaint, starting a formal hearing, or beginning a defined period of action under a legal obligation.

Where is it usually seen?

In pleadings, initial motions, formal complaints in a complaint, or when defining the start date for a legal requirement.

Who is affected?

The plaintiff, the party initiating the action, or the entity responsible for starting the process.

How does it work?

It involves taking the first step to formally begin an action, such as filing a claim, initiating a formal discovery phase, or commencing a defined period of responsibility under a statute.

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