Legal Definitions - Vestigial words

Definition: Vestigial words are words and phrases that are still present in laws or statutes, but have lost their original meaning or significance due to changes in the law or amendments. These words are no longer relevant or useful, but they remain in the text of the law.

Examples: One example of a vestigial word is the phrase "horseless carriage," which was used in early automobile laws to refer to cars. Today, this term is no longer used or necessary because everyone knows what a car is. Another example is the word "alderman," which is still used in some laws to refer to a city council member, even though many cities no longer use this term.

These examples illustrate how vestigial words can be confusing and outdated. They can make it difficult to understand the true meaning of a law or statute, and can create unnecessary confusion or ambiguity. It's important for lawmakers to review and update laws regularly to ensure that they are clear and relevant to modern society.