Legal Dictionary
Main Entry:
ben·e·fitFunction:
noun 1 : something that provides an advantage or gain;
specifically : an enhancement of property value, enjoyment of facilities, or increase in general prosperity arising from a public improvement
general benefit : a benefit to the community at large resulting from a public improvement
special benefit : a benefit from a public improvement that directly enhances the value of particular property and is not shared by the community at large
NOTE: In proceedings for a partial taking for the purpose of a public improvement, the condemning authority may use a special benefit to the remaining land as a set-off against the landowner's damages for the taking. 2 in the civil law of Louisiana : a right esp. that serves to limit a person's liability
benefit of dis·cus·sion : the right of a surety being sued to compel the suing creditor to sue the principal first
benefit of di·vi·sion : the right of a surety being sued to compel the suing creditor to also sue the cosureties;
also : the right of the surety to be liable only for his or her proportionate share of the debt
benefit of inventory : the right of an heir to be held liable for the debts of the estate only to the extent of the assets in the estate
NOTE: The heir obtains the benefit of inventory by having a qualified public officer (as a notary public) make an inventory of the assets in the estate within the time period set by statute. 3 a : financial help in time of disability, sickness, old age, or unemployment
b : payment or service provided for under an annuity, pension plan, or insurance policy —see also
DEATH BENEFIT c : FRINGE BENEFIT — —
benefit verb
[ben-uh-fit] 
noun, verb, -fit⋅ed, -fit⋅ing.
ə