Also known as: alive · living
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A status of a person who is alive both in fact and in law. The status confirms that the individual has not suffered natural death or civil death that would terminate legal capacity or interests.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Ingrid Innes sought pro bono representation after losing her job. Her lawyer provided modest funds for rent and medicine. Because Ingrid remained in full life, the gifts qualified under the applicable professional conduct standards without any promise of future support or request for repayment.
Imani Idowu petitioned for maintenance after separation. The court examined her financial resources and ability to meet needs independently. Because Imani was in full life and capable of employment, the maintenance award reflected only the standard of living during the marriage.
Ira Irving executed a will leaving property to his two living children. After execution, a third child was born. Because the third child was in full life at distribution, the omitted child received a share limited to the devises made to the testator's then-living children.
Ivy Ibarra gave birth while unmarried. The biological father visited regularly, admitted paternity, and paid support. Because the father remained in full life and demonstrated parental responsibility, he retained the right to object to adoption.
Irene Ingalls agreed to render exclusive personal services for one employer. After breach, the employer sought an injunction against her serving a competitor. Because Irene was in full life and the injunction would leave her without reasonable means of support, the court refused enforcement.
Ilana Isaacs created a trust to provide for her dog during her lifetime. The trustee cared for the animal until its death. Because Ilana remained in full life at the time of creation, the trust was validly established under the governing statute for the care of the animal.
The phrase describes a person who is alive both in fact and in law. It excludes anyone who has suffered natural death or civil death that would end legal capacity.
Supporting sources
A person must be in full life at the relevant time to qualify as an heir or to take under a class gift or omitted-child statute. Civil death or prior natural death removes that qualification.
Supporting sources
Yes. Civil death, such as certain historical forfeitures of rights, places a person outside the status of full life even if biological life continues.
Supporting sources
…it was a matter of dogma. For them the embryo was animate from the moment of conception, and abortion meant destruction of a living being. The abortion clause of the Oath, therefore, "echoes Pythagorean doctrines," and "[i]n no other stratum of Greek opinion were such views held or proposed in the same spirit of…