Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An adverb indicating that a result or consequence follows directly from the means, action, or fact previously mentioned.
Tobias Thomas, a state court judge, confronted a conflict between a state statute and a federal treaty ratified by the United States. He applied the treaty as controlling authority. The decision bound the parties under the treaty, thereby discharging his constitutional duty.
Travis Tate raised his fist toward Tonya Takahashi while advancing aggressively during an argument. Tonya perceived an immediate threat of harmful contact. The conduct placed her in imminent apprehension, thereby satisfying the second element of assault.
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Tori Taylor filed a complaint alleging that TechVista Solutions had breached a software licensing agreement. The pleading included specific dates, communications, and performance failures. Those factual allegations stated a claim plausible on its face, thereby meeting the heightened pleading standard.
Tyler Taylor aimed a loaded pistol at the victim's chest and fired during a confrontation. The factfinder examined the weapon's use against a vital body part. That evidence permitted an inference of intent to kill, thereby establishing malice aforethought for murder.
Theo Thomas, an adult, signed a services agreement with Twin Rivers Bank after reviewing its terms. He demonstrated full understanding and voluntary agreement. The manifestation of assent gave him capacity to incur duties, thereby rendering the contract enforceable against him.
Talon Security received notice that its supplier could no longer deliver components due to a market shortage. The buyer elected to end further performance under the supply agreement. That election terminated and discharged the remaining obligations, thereby releasing both parties from future duties.
It signals that a specified factual predicate directly produces the legal consequence that follows. In common-law murder, use of a deadly weapon against a vital body part permits the factfinder to infer intent to kill, thereby satisfying malice aforethought. The adverb therefore links the predicate act to the doctrinal result without requiring additional proof.
Supporting sources
The word supplies concise causation language that ties an act or condition to its immediate legal effect. In tort and contract provisions, it shows that one element produces the next doctrinal outcome, such as capacity arising from assent or discharge arising from termination. This drafting choice keeps rules compact while preserving logical sequence.
Supporting sources
It is stylistic but carries substantive weight by explicitly marking the causal link between facts and legal consequence. Removing the word would not change the rule's operation, yet its presence clarifies that the stated result flows directly from the preceding conduct or condition.
Supporting sources
…her consent any drug or medicine, or shall use towards her any violence or means whatever externally or internally applied, and thereby procure an abortion, he shall be confined in the penitentiary not less than two nor more than five years; if it be done without her consent, the punishment shall be doubled. By abortion'…