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Simple English definitions for legal terms
drawing lots
Read a random definition: capital return
A quick definition of drawing lots:
Definition: Drawing lots is when a decision is made by picking something by chance. The outcome depends on what is picked. For example, if you and your friends can't decide who goes first, you can draw lots to decide. However, in a court case, jurors are not allowed to make decisions based on drawing lots or other random methods.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Drawing lots is a way of making a decision or choosing something by pure chance. The outcome depends on the particular lot that is drawn.
For example, if a group of friends wants to decide who will go first in a game, they can write their names on pieces of paper and put them in a hat. Then, they can draw a name from the hat to determine the order.
In some cultures, drawing lots is used to make important decisions. For instance, in ancient Rome, the Vestal Virgins would draw lots to determine which of them would be responsible for keeping the sacred fire burning.
The use of drawing lots is based on the idea that chance can be a fair way of making decisions. It is often used when there is no clear way to choose between options or when all options are equally desirable or undesirable.