Legal Definitions - in being

Definition: Existing in life. This term can refer to a person who is currently alive or to a child who has been conceived but not yet born. In property law, it includes children who have been conceived but not yet born. Another term for this is "in esse."

Example:Life in being plus 21 years refers to the length of time that a copyright lasts after the death of the author. This means that the copyright will last for the author's lifetime plus an additional 21 years after their death.

Example: In criminal law, intentional killing of an unborn child was not considered murder or infanticide until 1929. This means that there could be no murder or manslaughter charges for a child who died before being born or during the birthing process. Only a child who had been born alive could be considered a victim of murder or manslaughter.

Explanation: The examples illustrate how the term "in being" is used in different contexts. In the first example, it refers to the length of time that a copyright lasts after the author's death. In the second example, it refers to the legal status of an unborn child in criminal law. Both examples show how the term is used to describe something that exists or is currently alive.