Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An adverb that introduces a conclusion logically following from facts or a rule previously stated.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Tara Tran swung her arm during an argument with Tobias Thomas. The contact offended Thomas but occurred without any intent to touch him. Therefore Tara faces no battery liability even though the contact carried an unreasonable risk of offense.
Tracy Torres committed a single act that met the elements of both felony theft and misdemeanor trespass. Prosecutors charged only the felony. Therefore the misdemeanor merged and could not support a separate conviction.
A child told teachers the identity of her abuser during an ongoing emergency. The statements addressed immediate safety rather than future prosecution. Therefore their admission at trial did not violate the Confrontation Clause.
Thomas Thompson's leg jerked involuntarily when struck by a falling object. The movement was purely reflexive. Therefore it did not constitute an act that could subject him to tort liability.
Tanya Tang blocked a doorway without intending to confine Tamara Tan. The confinement lasted only seconds and caused no harm. Therefore Tanya incurred no liability for false imprisonment despite the unreasonable risk created.
Triumph Manufacturing's guard used a baton against an intruder who posed only a minor threat. The force created a substantial risk of fatal injury. Therefore the guard's conduct exceeded the privilege of self-defense.
It signals that a result follows directly from the facts or rule just recited. Courts and drafters use it to link premises to holdings without restating the entire analysis.
Supporting sources
No. It is purely connective language that organizes reasoning. The legal effect comes from the underlying rule or facts, not from the word itself.
Supporting sources
Avoid it when the conclusion does not logically follow or when the writer needs to spell out additional elements. Overuse can mask gaps in analysis.
Supporting sources
…praying that their Secretary be permitted to give extracts from the executive journals, the request was denied. The applicants therefore summoned witnesses to attend court whose voluntary affidavits they could not obtain. Mr. Lee read the affidavit of Dennis Ramsay and the printed journals of the Senate of 31 January 1803…