What does ambiguity refer to in legal terms?

Ambiguity in legal terms refers to situations where words or phrases in a legal document can be interpreted in more than one way. When a legal document contains ambiguous language, it can lead to uncertainty about the rights, obligations, or intentions of the parties involved. This can create challenges during legal proceedings as courts strive to ascertain the precise meaning intended by the drafters.

In the context of legal drafting, it is crucial to use clear and precise language to minimize the potential for different interpretations. Multiple meanings can arise from vague terms, poorly defined phrases, or context-dependent expressions, which can significantly affect the enforcement and understanding of legal agreements or statutes.