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Simple English definitions for legal terms
deem
Read a random definition: for use
A quick definition of deem:
Term: DEEM
Definition: Deem means to treat something as if it were something else or had qualities that it doesn't really have. For example, if a document says it was signed on April 14 but it was actually signed on April 21, it can be deemed to have been signed on April 14. Deem can also mean to consider, think, or judge something. However, it's mostly used in legal language to create a legal fiction, which means pretending something is true even if it's not. It's better to use simpler words like "think" or "consider" in everyday language instead of "deem."
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: To treat something as if it were something else or had qualities that it does not have. It can also mean to consider, think, or judge.
For example, if a document was not signed until April 21 but explicitly states that it must be deemed to have been signed on April 14, it means that it should be treated as if it was signed on April 14. This is an example of using "deem" to establish a legal fiction.
Another example is when someone deems it necessary to take a certain action. This means that they consider it necessary or judge it to be necessary.
It is important to note that "deeming" creates an artificiality and should only be used when necessary to establish a legal fiction. In other cases, it is better to use simpler language such as "thinks" or "considers."