What does mandatory mean in law?
Asked by: Dr. Una Lockman | Last update: September 23, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (30 votes)
In reference to law, “mandatory” is used to indicate that something is required or obligatory.
What exactly does mandatory mean?
A mandatory action is something that is required, obligatory, or compulsory. Like letting your Great Aunt Edna pinch your cheeks or passing gym to get your diploma. Mandatory is often used in opposition to optional.
What does mandatory mean in court?
Definition: In law, "mandatory" means something that is required or obligatory. For example: Mandatory authority: This refers to a source of law that a court is required to follow. For instance, a court must follow a statute or a higher court's decision that is mandatory authority.
What is a mandatory rule of law?
• Mandatory rules: rules that cannot be derogated from. by an agreement. The parties of a contract must observe them. In the public law there is a lot of iuris cogentis rules, while in the private law more rules are dispositive.
What's the difference between required and mandatory?
They share a basic definition of “required.” But there are some slight differences in how often we use each. Let's start with the most common, “mandatory.” Mandatory comes from the word “mandate,” which means to give authority to act or as a noun means an official order.
Understanding "Mandatory Parole": A Simplified Guide
Does mandatory mean you have to by law?
If an action or procedure is mandatory, people have to do it, because it is a rule or a law. The mandatory retirement age has been raised.
Does mandatory mean optional?
Law. permitting no option; not to be disregarded or modified: a mandatory clause.
What is the legal term mandatory?
In reference to law, “mandatory” is used to indicate that something is required or obligatory.
What are the five rules of law?
Many countries throughout the world strive to uphold the rule of law where no one is above the law, everyone is treated equally under the law, everyone is held accountable to the same laws, there are clear and fair processes for enforcing laws, there is an independent judiciary, and human rights are guaranteed for all.
Does the constitution say no one is above the law?
Another important idea is the “rule of law.” The rule of law means that everyone must obey the law and no one is above the law. This means that the government and its leaders must also obey the law. Our Constitution was written in 1787.
What are the cons of mandatory sentencing?
Arguments against mandatory sentencing include: (1) sentences are often greatly disproportionate to the severity of the offense; (2) the focus on particular kinds of offenses has tended to have a major negative impact upon certain categories of offenders and particular social groups; (3) removing discretion from judges ...
What happens at a mandatory court appearance?
This means that you must appear in court to answer the charges against you. You cannot simply pay the ticket online and avoid going to court. There are a few reasons why your case may be marked as mandatory. One possibility is that the violation code you were cited for is a misdemeanor.
What does mandatory mean in criminal justice?
Mandatory sentencing requires that people convicted of certain crimes serve a predefined term of imprisonment, removing the discretion of judges to take issues such as extenuating circumstances and a person's likelihood of rehabilitation into consideration when sentencing.
What is an example of something mandatory?
Masks are mandatory on public transport. All healthcare workers have an ethical code of conduct and mandatory reporting obligations.
What is a mandatory order?
A mandatory order compels public authorities to fulfil their duties. Whereas quashing and prohibition orders deal with wrongful acts, a mandatory order addresses wrongful failure to act. Failure to comply is punishable as a contempt of court.
What is the opposite of mandatory?
The opposite of mandatory is optional, or available to be chosen but not obligatory.
What is 5th law?
The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that an individual cannot be compelled by the government to provide incriminating information about herself – the so-called “right to remain silent.” When an individual “takes the Fifth,” she invokes that right and refuses to answer questions or provide ...
What is the rule of law for dummies?
Rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are: Publicly promulgated. Equally enforced. Independently adjudicated.
What is the highest law of the land?
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land in the United States.
What is the mandatory rule?
Mandatory Rules means any rights or obligations under any applicable laws that cannot be excluded, disapplied or limited through these Terms and Conditions.
What do you mean by mandatory?
: required by a law or rule : obligatory. the mandatory retirement age. 2. : of, by, relating to, or holding a League of Nations mandate.
What is a mandatory act?
Mandatory Provisions of the Act means those provisions of the Act which may not be waived by the Members acting unanimously or otherwise.
Does mandatory mean you have to do it?
Meaning of mandatory in English. Something that is mandatory must be done, or is demanded by law: The minister is calling for mandatory prison sentences for people who assault police officers.
What is the difference between obligated and mandatory?
There is a subtle difference in meaning. Obligatory has do to with a moral obligation, while compulsory has do do with being compelled by law, and mandatory is an order from someone higher up in the chain of command.
What are mandatory options?
Mandatory option means that coverage is mandated by you for each participant who does not pay their annual “covered fees” in advance.