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Simple English definitions for legal terms
preamble
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A quick definition of preamble:
A preamble is an introduction to a document, like a constitution or law, that explains what the document is about and why it was created. It usually starts with the word "whereas" and lists the problems the document is trying to solve. In patents, the preamble is the first part of a claim that identifies the field of art. It's important because it helps explain the intention of the document, but it can't change the actual rules or laws written in the document.
A more thorough explanation:
A preamble is an introduction to a document, such as a constitution or statute, that explains the document's purpose and goals. It can also be a statement of the problems that the document is trying to solve.
- The preamble to the United States Constitution begins with the famous words, "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union..." This sets the tone for the rest of the document and explains its purpose.
- In a patent, the preamble is the first part of a claim that identifies the field of art. For example, a patent for a new type of bicycle might have a preamble that says, "A bicycle comprising..."
These examples illustrate how a preamble is used to introduce a document and provide context for its contents.