In law, an element refers to a specific component or requirement that must be established to prove a legal claim, offence, or cause of action. Elements are the essential building blocks of a legal theory or cause, and they define the necessary criteria that must be satisfied for a party to prevail in a legal proceeding. Each legal claim or offence is comprised of distinct elements, and the party asserting the claim or offence bears the burden of proving each element by a preponderance of the evidence or beyond a reasonable doubt, depending on the standard of proof applicable to the case. Failure to establish any one of the required elements may result in the dismissal of the claim or defence.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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