Tenure Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Tenure.

Tenure (noun)

  1. In the context of property law, tenure refers to the conditions or rules under which land or property is held by an individual or entity. It is the legal right, concept or system of possessing or owning property or land.
  2. In employment, particularly in education, tenure refers to a guaranteed, permanent employment status given to employees, often after a probation period. This status provides job security, protecting the employee from arbitrary dismissal. This is most commonly found in academic institutions, where professors or teachers receive tenure after meeting certain criteria.