DictionaryconstructiveLegally inferred
adjective

constructive

Treated by law as existing even though not explicitly established.

The lawyer argues that the circumstances provided constructive notice.

Etymology

The Latin verb concerns building together and arranging. The legal sense works through construction as interpretation: law treats a condition as established by inference from the circumstances.

More examples

  • The court considered constructive possession.
  • The case involved a claim of constructive dismissal.
  • She explained the legal meaning of constructive knowledge.

Forms

constructive

Similar words

implied
Inferred rather than expressly stated, without the same legal mechanism.
actual
Exists in fact rather than being treated as existing by law.