tangible

Legal TerminologyLegal glossary term

Legal Definition

In a legal context, 'tangible' refers to a physical, concrete, or real asset that has a definite existence and can be touched or perceived, often used in contract law to denote a concrete asset or a clear, verifiable reality.

Plain-English Translation

Imagine something that is real and solid. In law, it means something that actually exists and can be proven or physically identified, like a physical object rather than just an idea or a promise.

Context in Contracts

It matters because it establishes a concrete basis for claims, evidence, or obligations. In contract law, determining what is tangible helps define the scope of rights or liabilities.

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01

A tangible asset like a specific piece of land or equipment.

02

The tangible benefit derived from a contractually agreed-upon service.

Document context

How tangible shows up in legal documents

What is it?

A tangible item is a concrete, physical asset or reality that has a definite existence and can be perceived or verified through the senses, often used to describe a real-world asset in a legal context.

Why does it matter?

It matters because it establishes a concrete basis for claims, evidence, or obligations. In contract law, determining what is tangible helps define the scope of rights or liabilities.

When does it matter?

It usually appears when discussing the physical assets involved in a transaction, the tangible benefits received, or the concrete nature of an obligation being enforced.

Where is it usually seen?

It is usually seen in legal documents such as property titles, contract clauses defining the subject matter, or claims where the existence of a physical asset is critical to the dispute.

Who is affected?

The parties involved in litigation, contractual disputes, or regulatory proceedings are affected, as the tangible nature of an asset dictates the reality of their rights and duties.

How does it work?

Practically, it means assessing whether something is a real, physical thing rather than just a theoretical concept. It involves examining the concrete evidence to see if the claimed benefit or obligation exists in a physical form.

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Wikipedia

Tangible property

In law, tangible property is property that can be touched, and includes both real property and personal property (or moveable property), and stands in distinction to intangible property. In English law and some Commonwealth legal systems, items of tangible...

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