Legal Definitions - chance

In a legal context, "chance" refers to an unforeseen event, an accident, or a hazard that carries a risk of unintended consequences. It also encompasses the possibility or opportunity arising from uncertain or fortuitous circumstances.

In legal terms, chance refers to an unpredictable event or outcome that occurs without deliberate intent or control. It can also describe a potential opportunity or risk that arises from a particular set of circumstances.

• Example 1 (Unforeseen Consequence/Risk): A construction company is excavating a site for a new building. Despite all safety precautions, a sudden, unexpected shift in the underlying soil causes a minor cave-in, delaying the project by several days. The company took a "chance" that the ground would remain stable, but the unforeseen geological event created an unintended consequence.

  Explanation: This illustrates "chance" as an unpredictable risk or an unforeseen consequence of an action, where an event outside of deliberate control impacts the outcome.

• Example 2 (Accident/Unintended Outcome): During a community festival, a balloon vendor accidentally releases a large cluster of balloons, which drift into overhead power lines, causing a brief power outage in a small area. The vendor did not intend for the balloons to cause a disruption.

  Explanation: Here, "chance" describes an accident or an unintended outcome of an act (releasing balloons) that had unforeseen and uncontrollable consequences (the power outage).

• Example 3 (Opportunity): A small, independent film studio submits its latest movie to a prestigious international film festival. Unexpectedly, the film is selected for a prime screening slot, attracting significant attention from distributors and critics.

  Explanation: In this context, the selection for the prime screening slot represents a significant "chance" or opportunity for the studio to gain recognition and potential success, arising from the circumstances of their submission.