Legal Definitions - practicable

Definition: Practicable means something is possible to do or feasible. It is often used in laws to indicate when, how, or if something should be done.

• When a person is arrested in Washington, they must be advised of their right to a lawyer as soon as practicable. (Rule CrRLJ 3.1)
• California Food and Agriculture Code requires that notice be delivered by hand distribution whenever practicable for aerial applications of pesticides for pest control measures. If hand distribution is not possible, notice may be sent by first-class mail as long as it is received within the prescribed time limits. (Section 5774)
• In Oklahoma, public sewer or water lines should not be constructed through private property if it is practicable to construct them along or through a street, alley, or other public highway. (Section 37-208 of the municipal code)

These examples illustrate how practicable is used in laws to indicate what should be done and when. In each case, the law requires that something be done as soon as possible or in the most feasible way. Practicable is used to ensure that laws are followed in a practical and reasonable way.