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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Voluntary
Read a random definition: Institute of Museum and Library Services
A quick definition of Voluntary:
Voluntary: When we talk about the law, "voluntary" means that someone did something on purpose. For example, "voluntary waste" means someone intentionally damaged property or used up natural resources. "Voluntary manslaughter" means someone intentionally killed another person because they were very angry or upset. "Voluntary bankruptcy" means someone chose to declare bankruptcy themselves, instead of being forced to by someone else.
A more thorough explanation:
In law, the term "voluntary" means that something was done on purpose or with intention.
- Voluntary waste: This is when someone intentionally damages a property or uses up natural resources on the property. For example, cutting down trees on someone else's land without permission.
- Voluntary manslaughter: This is when someone intentionally kills another person in the heat of passion or with enough reason to justify the killing. For example, if someone walks in on their spouse cheating and kills the other person in a fit of rage.
- Voluntary bankruptcy: This is when someone files for bankruptcy on their own, rather than being forced into it by a creditor. For example, if someone realizes they can't pay off their debts and decides to file for bankruptcy to get a fresh start.
These examples show that the actions were done on purpose or with intention, which is what makes them "voluntary" under the law.