Letters Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Letters, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Letters?

History and Meaning of Letters

The term "Letters" is often used interchangeably with "correspondence," and refers to written communications between two or more parties. The use of letters dates back to ancient civilizations, with some of the earliest known examples coming from Mesopotamia around 3200 BCE. In terms of legal usage, letters can refer to a variety of documents, including testamentary letters (letters of administration or letters testamentary), which are issued by a probate court to authorize an executor or administrator to manage an estate.

Examples of Letters

1. A demand letter: This is a letter sent by one party to another demanding that they take a specific action, such as paying a debt or ceasing a certain activity.

2. A letter of intent: This is a non-binding agreement between two parties that outlines their intentions to engage in a specific action.

3. A letter of recommendation: This is a letter written by one person to vouch for the character or abilities of another person, often used in job or school applications.

Legal Terms Similar to Letters

1. Correspondence: This term refers to written communications between parties, and is often used interchangeably with "letters."

2. Epistle: This is a more formal term for a letter, often used in religious or literary contexts.

3. Memorandum: This is a type of written communication used within an organization, often used to summarize a meeting or distribute information.