Also known as: eligibility · eligibilities · qualified · qualification
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An adjective describing a person or entity that satisfies the legal requirements to hold an office, receive a benefit, or exercise a privilege.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
After discovering his spouse in the act of adultery, Elijah Edwards immediately killed the paramour. The jury considered whether the discovery supplied adequate provocation that rendered Elijah eligible for a voluntary manslaughter verdict rather than murder.
State legislators directed that only persons who were not senators, representatives, or holders of an office of trust under the United States could be appointed as electors. Ella Emerson, a sitting federal judge, therefore was not eligible to serve in that role.
When the public interest required it, the court ordered a grand jury summoned and directed that enough legally qualified persons be called to ensure a panel of sixteen to twenty-three members. Enzo Eastwood, who had a felony conviction, was not eligible to serve.
Evelyn Ellison possessed specialized training in forensic accounting. The proponent demonstrated to the court that her knowledge would help the trier of fact, so she was eligible to testify in the form of an opinion under the governing evidence rule.
At a board meeting, a majority of the qualified directors present and constituting a quorum voted to dismiss the derivative proceeding. Ethan Evans, a director named as a defendant, was not eligible to participate in that determination.
Eduardo Enriquez moved to the state and immediately applied for welfare benefits. The state denied the application on the ground that he had not resided there for one year. The denial was invalid because the residency rule could not lawfully render him ineligible for assistance.
Eligibility turns on whether the person or entity meets the specific qualifications or conditions stated in the governing statute, rule, or doctrine. Courts apply the stated criteria directly rather than adding extra requirements.
Once the required period or condition for eligibility has been satisfied, a later temporary event does not retroactively destroy the status that has already vested.
Eligibility is determined separately under each distinct legal provision. Satisfaction of the criteria for one office, benefit, or privilege does not control eligibility under a different rule.
…elected to assume powers and to undertake responsibilities wholly derived from that State's rules and regulations, and to become eligible for those benefits that Delaware law makes available to its corporations' officials. E. g. , Del. Code Ann., Tit. 8, § 143 (1975) (interestfree loans); § 145 (1975 ed. and Supp. 1976)…