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Law vocabulary · Legal Writing & Drafting

Shall

Meaning in law, with examples

/ʃæl/verbCommon term

In law, shall means: A modal verb used in contracts and laws to show that something is required, not simply that it will happen in the future.

In Turkish: -ecektir, -mekle yükümlüdür, -melidir

How it is used

Traditional in drafting: 'The Supplier shall deliver the goods…', 'Payment shall be made within 30 days'. 'Shall not' expresses a prohibition. Many modern drafters prefer 'must' because 'shall' is often used inconsistently, but you will meet 'shall' in almost every contract.

Example sentences

  1. The Tenant shall not sublet the property without the Landlord's written consent.

  2. Each party shall bear its own legal costs.

Common collocations

  • shall not
  • shall be entitled to
  • shall be deemed
  • shall remain in force
  • provisionA part of a law or a legal document that states a particular rule, condition or requirement.
  • clauseA numbered section of a contract or other legal document that deals with one particular point, such as payment, termination or confidentiality.
  • obligationSomething that a person or organisation must do because a law, a contract or a court order requires it.
  • draftTo write a legal document such as a contract, letter or court submission, usually as a first version that others will review and change.

More terms: Legal Writing & Drafting

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.