Interpretation of Verbal Imperatives (Must, Should, May, Describe/Explain)

In plain language

'Must' indicates a mandatory requirement. 'Should' indicates a strong obligation requiring clear justification if not complied with. 'May' indicates discretion. 'Describe' or 'explain' means you must provide logical arguments and evidence to justify a choice or action.

Requirement as structured

CAP 722 provides that, in that document, 'must' or 'must not' indicates a mandatory requirement, 'should' indicates a strong obligation for which a person would need to provide clear justification for not complying, 'may' indicates discretion, and 'describe' or 'explain' indicates the provision of logical argument and any available evidence.

Original regulatory text

• ‘Must’ / ‘must not’ indicates a mandatory requirement. • ‘Should’ indicates a strong obligation (i.e., a person would need to provide clear justification for not complying with the obligation). • ‘May’ indicates discretion. • ‘Describe’ / ‘explain’ indicates the provision of logical argument and any available evidence that justifies a situation, choice or action.

Applies when

country

United Kingdom

regulatory category

General