exigent circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exigent circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to situations that require immediate action or intervention, often justifying actions that would otherwise require a warrant. Example: "The police entered the building without a warrant due to exigent circumstances that posed a threat to public safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That, too, would create an exigent circumstance, the government lawyer replied.

The New York Times

"In an exigent circumstance, that's information that may be relevant to an investigation," the official said.

The New York Times

Mr. Roberts said that a child's need for attention would be an exigent circumstance, justifying a police officer in accompanying the suspect into the house.

The New York Times

Justice Alito took pains to say that the majority was not deciding whether an emergency justifying an exception to the warrant requirement — an "exigent circumstance," in legal jargon — actually existed.

The New York Times

"Obviously if we have a lone-wolf terrorist on the loose, I consider that an exigent circumstance," said Mr. Gottheimer, who is now running for Congress in New Jersey.

The New York Times

In fact, it was department policy that, in the absence of a truly exigent circumstance (for instance, having to secure first suspect to prevent the escape of another armed, violent suspect), subjects were never to be handcuffed or otherwise secured to immobile objects.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In this case, the police caused the exigent circumstances themselves.

The New York Times

In "exigent circumstances," they may open fire to protect themselves or partners.

The New York Times

The sheriff's office bans shooting at cars except in loosely defined "unusual or exigent circumstances".

The Guardian

There was considerable debate today over whether there were exigent circumstances in this case.

The New York Times

At the time that Lehman failed, the Federal Reserve under its Section 13(3) emergency powers could lend money to any firm in the case of "unusual and exigent circumstances".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exigent circumstance" in formal and legal contexts where you need to convey a situation that justifies immediate action without the usual procedural requirements, such as obtaining a warrant.

Common error

Avoid using "exigent circumstance" loosely for any urgent matter; reserve it for situations where a genuine, immediate threat or risk necessitates bypassing standard protocols.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exigent circumstance" functions primarily as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, often in a legal or formal context. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, it describes a situation that justifies immediate action. It explains the reason for an exception to a standard procedure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exigent circumstance" is a phrase most frequently encountered in formal contexts, particularly legal and news-related discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to justify actions taken in urgent situations. While grammatically correct and commonly accepted, it’s essential to reserve its use for situations where bypassing standard procedures is genuinely warranted. Alternatives like "urgent situation" or "pressing need" may be appropriate in less formal settings. This careful application ensures the phrase retains its intended gravity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emergency situation

Draws attention to the sudden and unexpected nature of the event.

immediate urgency

Stresses the need for action without delay.

urgent situation

Highlights the time-sensitive nature requiring immediate attention.

acute emergency

Highlights the sudden and severe nature of the crisis.

pressing need

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the situation.

crisis situation

Indicates a turning point with potentially negative outcomes.

compelling necessity

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the required action.

vital necessity

Focuses on the essential and indispensable nature of the situation.

critical condition

Focuses on the severity and potential danger involved.

dire straits

Implies extreme hardship and a need for immediate rescue.

FAQs

How is "exigent circumstance" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "exigent circumstance" refers to a situation where immediate action is necessary to prevent harm, escape, or the destruction of evidence, potentially justifying actions without a warrant. The definition of such circumstances is interpreted strictly by courts.

What are some situations that might be considered an "exigent circumstance"?

Examples of "exigent circumstances" include the imminent risk of a suspect escaping, the potential destruction of evidence, or a situation posing immediate danger to individuals inside a property. Each case is fact-dependent and evaluated on its own merits.

Is "urgent situation" an appropriate substitute for "exigent circumstance"?

While "urgent situation" can convey a similar sense of immediacy, "exigent circumstance" carries a specific legal weight and implication, particularly concerning exceptions to warrant requirements. Use "exigent circumstance" when precision in a legal or formal context is needed.

How does the presence of "exigent circumstances" affect law enforcement procedures?

The presence of "exigent circumstances" can permit law enforcement to bypass standard procedures like obtaining a warrant before entering a property or conducting a search. However, any actions taken under this exception are subject to judicial review to ensure the circumstances genuinely warranted the departure from usual protocol.