Shall when used in a legal context means?

• A. Permissive
• B. Mandatory
• C. Discretionary with the Worker's Comp Judge
• D. Acceptable

Answer: (B)

In legal wording, “shall” expresses a mandatory obligation. It flags that a duty must be performed or a requirement must be met, not optional. So when a statute or contract says something shall be done, it imposes a duty on the responsible party.

That’s why the best answer is that it is mandatory. The other options describe permissions or discretionary outcomes, which don’t fit the force of “shall.” Permissive would be indicated by “may” or “can,” not “shall.” Saying it’s discretionary with the Worker's Comp Judge would imply the judge could decide whether it happens, whereas “shall” removes that discretion. “Acceptable” isn’t a legal descriptor for a duty or requirement.

A quick example: “The employer shall provide coverage” means the employer is obligated to provide coverage, not that it may or might decide later.