ANN TAYLOR RATINGS & REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. SUBMISSION OF AN ANN TAYLOR PRODUCT REVIEW IS NOT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

MAKING A PURCHASE OR SUBMITTING AN ANN TAYLOR PRODUCT REVIEW WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

By participating in the Ann Taylor Ratings & Review Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”), you agree to comply with and be bound by these Official Sweepstakes Rules (the “Official Rules”) , which are a contract, so read them carefully before taking any action in relation to the Sweepstakes. Without limitation, this contract includes indemnities to the Released Parties (defined below) from you, a limitation of your rights and remedies, binding arbitration of claims, waiving class action claims, and waiving the right to trial by jury, as permitted by applicable law.  If you do not agree with the Official Rules in their entirety, you are not permitted to enter the Sweepstakes.

ELIGIBILITY: THE SWEEPSTAKES IS OPEN ONLY TO PERMANENT LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHO ARE 18 OR OLDER AND THE AGE OF MAJORITY AT THE TIME OF ENTRY. Employees of Premium Brands Opco LLC (“Sponsor”), US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment Co. (“Administrator”), and their parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies and their immediate family members (defined as spouse, siblings, parents and children and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and/or those living in the same household (whether related or not) of each are not eligible to enter or win.  Sweepstakes is void in the U.S. territories and where prohibited by law. The information provided will be used for the purposes of this Sweepstakes and as otherwise permitted by Sponsor’s privacy policy, found here: https://www.anntaylor.com/privacy (the “Sponsor’s Privacy Policy”).

SWEEPSTAKES TIMING: The Sweepstakes begins at 12:00:01 AM Eastern Time (“ET”) on Sunday, January 1, 2023 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on Sunday, June 30, 2024 (the “Sweepstakes Period”). Within the Sweepstakes Period, , there are six (6) Entry Periods (each, an “Entry Period”) and a corresponding Random Drawing Date (each, a “Drawing Date”) as depicted in the chart below. Entries must be received during the Entry Period indicated in the chart below to be eligible for that Entry Period’s drawings and prizes. Non-winning entries for an Entry Period will not roll over to subsequent Entry Periods. Sponsor’s database clock is the official timekeeping device for this Sweepstakes.

HOW TO ENTER: For each Prize Pool, there are three (3) ways to enter the Sweepstakes. During an Entry Period, to enter (each, an “Entry”):

Entry Method #1/Online (Prize Pool A): Entrants can enter the Sweepstakes by visiting www.anntaylor.com and submitting a product review about any Ann Taylor item in accordance with the instructions at https://www.anntaylor.com/review . Entrants must follow all online instructions to complete and submit the product review in its entirety to receive one (1) Entry into the corresponding Entry Period Drawing for Prize Pool A.

Entry Method #1/Online (Prize Pool B): Entrants can enter the Sweepstakes by visiting www.anntaylor.com, writing a product review about any Ann Taylor item, uploading a photo or video of Entrant wearing the item reviewed and submitting it in accordance with the instructions at https://www.anntaylor.com/review. Entrants must follow all online instructions to complete and submit the product review in its entirety along with a photo or video of Entrant wearing the item reviewed to receive one (1) Entry into the corresponding Entry Period Drawing for Prize Pool B.

OR:

Entry Method #2/Email Invitation (Prize Pool A): Customers who have purchased an Ann Taylor item and receive an email invitation from the Sponsor (the “Email Invite”) may enter the sweepstakes by following the instructions within the Email Invite and online form to complete and submit a product review of their purchase to receive one (1) Entry into the corresponding Entry Period Drawing for Prize Pool A.

Entry Method #2/Email Invitation (Prize Pool B): Customers who have purchased an Ann Taylor item and receive an Email Invite may enter the sweepstakes by following the instructions within the Email Invite and online form to upload a photo or video of Entrant wearing the product purchased and completing and submitting a product review of their purchase to receive one (1) Entry into the corresponding Entry Period Drawing for Prize Pool B.

OR:

Entry Method #3/Mail-In Non-Purchase Method (Prize Pool A): Entrants can enter the Sweepstakes for Prize Pool A without submitting a product review by mailing a handprinted, legible postcard with proper postage affixed, including their name, complete mailing address, email address, phone number to: Ann Taylor Ratings & Reviews Sweepstakes Prize Pool A, PO Box 776, Social Circle, GA 30025-776. Entrants will receive one (1) entry into Prize Pool A per postcard. Each postcard must be mailed separately. Entry Period #1 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 1/1/23 and 3/31/23 and received by 4/7/23. Entry Period #2 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 4/1/23 and 6/30/23 and received by 7/7/23. Entry Period #3 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 7/1/23 and 9/30/23 and received by 10/10/23. Entry Period #4 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 10/1/23 and 1/2/24 and received by 1/8/24. Entry Period #5 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 1/1/24 and 4/1/24 and received by 4/8/24. Entry Period #6 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 4/1/24 and 7/1/24 and received by 7/8/24.

Entry Method #3/Mail-In Non-Purchase Method (Prize Pool B): Entrants can enter the Sweepstakes for Prize Pool B without submitting a product review by mailing a legible postcard with proper postage affixed, including their name, complete mailing address, email address, phone number to: Ann Taylor Ratings & Reviews Sweepstakes Prize Pool B, PO Box 776, Social Circle, GA 30025-776. Entrants will receive one (1) entry into Prize Pool B per postcard. . Each postcard must be mailed separately. Entry Period #1 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 1/1/23 and 3/31/23 and received by 4/7/23. Entry Period #2 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 4/1/23 and 6/30/23 and received by 7/7/23. Entry Period #3 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 7/1/23 and 9/30/23 and received by 10/10/23. Entry Period #4 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 10/1/23 and 1/2/24 and received by 1/8/24. Entry Period #5 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 1/1/24 and 4/1/24 and received by 4/8/24. Entry Period #6 Mail-In Entries must be postmarked between 4/1/24 and 7/1/24 and received by 7/8/24.

Photocopied, illegible, or mechanically reproduced Entries are not eligible. All Entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned or acknowledged. Released Parties are not responsible for lost, late, damaged, stolen, delayed, illegible, misdirected, or postage-due mailed Entries.

Entries are subject to all notices posted in-store and online including but not limited to the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.

There is no limit on the number of Entries per person that may be submitted; however, an entrant may only submit one (1) review for any one product, regardless of method of entry.

By submitting an Entry, entrant represents and warrants that the Entry conforms to these Official Rules and understands that Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may disqualify the Entry for any reason, including if it determines, in its sole discretion, that the Entry fails to conform to these Official Rules in any way or otherwise contains unacceptable content as determined by Sponsor, in its sole discretion. By submitting an Entry via Entry Method #1 or Entry Method #2 as described above, entrant further represents and warrants that (a) any statements, claims or representations about Sponsor’s products or services included in the Entry are true, accurate, and substantiated; (b) to the extent that the Entry states or implies that any individual actually uses or has a preference for Sponsor’s products or services, such individual actually uses or has a preference for Sponsor’s products or services; and (c)  to the extent that the Entry includes the opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences of any individual concerning Sponsor’s products or or services, those opinions, findings, beliefs and experiences are truthful, accurate and current; (d) the Entry is entrant’s own original work; (e) entrant owns or controls all rights in the Entry and has the rights to grant the license(s) as indicated in the “Use of Review” section within these Official Rules; (f) neither the Entry, nor the use of the Entry as permitted hereunder, will violate or infringe upon the rights of any third party (including, without limitation, the copyright, trademark, and/or privacy rights of any party) or violate any applicable law or regulation; and  (g) if any other individual is shown or referenced in the Entry, entrant has secured permission from the individuals appearing or referenced (including permission from the parents or legal guardian of any minors who may appear or be referenced in the Entry).

PRIZE POOLS & APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE ("ARV")/ODDS:

Prize Pool A: Six (6) Prize Pool A Prizes are available to be won, one (1) for each Entry Period, one (1) $1,000 Ann Taylor Gift Card (ARV: $1,000 each).

Prize Pool B: Six (6) Prize Pool B Prizes are available to be won, one (1) for each Entry Period, one (1) $2,000 Ann Taylor Gift Card (ARV: $2,000 each).

The total ARV of all prizes available to be won per Entry Period: $3,000.

The total ARV of all prizes available to be won for the entire Sweepstakes: $18,000.

There is a limit of one (1) prize per person for the entire Sweepstakes.

Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible Entries received per Entry Period per Prize Pool.

Ann Taylor gift cards are subject to all terms and conditions applicable to gift cards issued by Premium Giftco LLC. Except as provided therein, they are not redeemable for cash and will not be replaced if lost or stolen.

WINNER SELECTION, NOTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION: The Sweepstakes is under the administration of the Administrator, an independent advisor of the Sponsor, whose decisions are final. One (1) potential winner for each Entry Period will be selected from all eligible Entries received in Prize Pool A and one (1) potential winner for each Entry Period will be selected from all eligible Entries received in Prize Pool B. Potential winners will be selected in a series of random drawings on or about the Entry Period Drawing Dates indicated in the Entry Period and Prize Drawing Schedule above. Non-winning Entries for an Entry Period will not roll over to subsequent Entry Periods.

Potential Winners will be notified by email on or about the Entry Period Drawing Dates indicated in the Entry Period & Prize Drawing Schedule above. Each potential winner will be required to sign and return, within five (5) days of notification, an Affidavit of Eligibility, a Liability Waiver, an IRS W-9 Form and where allowable, a Publicity Release (collectively, "the Releases"). These Releases will require the winner to furnish his/her Social Security Number for the sole purpose of tax reporting, as required by law. Noncompliance will result in disqualification and an alternate winner being selected. Winners are responsible for all applicable federal, state, local and income taxes associated with winning the prize. The prize will be awarded within approximately 45 days after the winner is verified.

SECOND CHANCE DRAWING:  A prize that has not been claimed or has been forfeited due to causes, including, but not limited to, ineligibility of potential winner or returned email, will be included in a Second Chance Drawing for such unclaimed prize. Second Chance Drawings will be conducted via random drawing from among all eligible Entries received which have not otherwise received a prize in the Sweepstakes, for each applicable Entry Period and each applicable Prize Pool on or about the Second Chance Drawing Dates indicated in the Entry Period & Prize Drawing Schedule above. Potential Winners selected in any Second Chance Drawing will be contacted within 48 hours after such Second Chance Drawing.

Second Chance potential winners, if any, will be notified by email and will be required to verify his/her eligibility by signing and returning the Releases, within five (5) days of this formal notification by Administrator. Noncompliance will result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be selected.

PRIZE CONDITIONS: If the Releases are returned as undeliverable or if the selected winner cannot accept or receive the prize for any reason, or he/she is not in compliance with these Official Rules, the prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected in the Second Chance Drawing.  

Prizes are not redeemable for cash. Prizes are for winner’s personal use and are not assignable or transferable and will not pass to the estate of the winner. No substitution is permitted except if prize is unavailable, in which case a prize of equal or greater value will be awarded. No cash in lieu of prize and no exchange or substitution of prize, except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute other alternate, similar forms of prize disbursement. Any other incidental expenses on prize not specified herein are the winner’s sole responsibility.

Except where prohibited by law, entry and acceptance of prize constitute permission to use winner’s name, prize won, hometown, likeness, video, photographs, and statements for purposes of advertising, promotion and publicity (including online posting) in any and all media now or hereafter known throughout the world in perpetuity, without additional compensation, notification or permission.

By entering the Sweepstakes, entrant agrees that any information provided by entrant to Sponsor may be used by Sponsor as permitted under Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.

USE OF REVIEW: By submitting a review as part of an Entry (each a “Review”), entrant hereby grants to Sponsor a nonexclusive license to reproduce, distribute, display, perform, create derivative works based upon, or otherwise exploit the Review (including, without limitation, the review, entrant’s name and/or username, entrant’s likeness, statements, and any photographs or videos included in such Review) (collectively, the “Materials”) in any manner or media now known or hereafter devised (including, without limitation, posting such Review on Sponsor’s websites (including, but not limited to, its social media sites), throughout the world in perpetuity for advertising, promotional and other purposes, without further compensation, notification or permission. Sponsor has no obligation to make use of the rights granted herein. Entrant agrees that the Released Parties (as defined below) are not responsible for any unauthorized use of a Review by third parties.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND GENERAL CONDITIONS:  By participating, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor and Administrator, which are binding. Entrants agree that they shall, and hereby do, release, hold harmless, and indemnify the Sponsor, Administrator, any parent company, affiliated companies, and all other businesses involved in this Sweepstakes and advertising and promotion agencies, as well as the employees, officers, directors and agents of each such company (collectively, the “Released Parties”), from all claims, liability, disability, injuries, costs of litigation and settlement, losses or damages of any kind, including death, to persons or property resulting or relating in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, to their participation in the Sweepstakes or acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize. Winners assume all liability for any injury or damage caused or claimed to be caused, by participation in this Sweepstakes or receipt or use of the prize. The limitations set forth in this section will not limit or exclude the Released Parties’ liability for personal injury or tangible property damage caused by the Released Parties, or for the Released Parties’ gross negligence, fraud, or intentional, willful, malicious, or reckless misconduct. The Released Parties have not made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guarantee express or implied, in fact or in law, with respect to the prize, including, without limitation, to the prize’s quality or fitness for a particular purpose. The Released Parties are not responsible for any typographical or other error in the advertising for the Sweepstakes, administration of the Sweepstakes or in the announcement of the prize. Released Parties are not responsible if Sweepstakes cannot take place or if the prize cannot be awarded due to cancellations, delays or interruptions due to acts of God, acts of war (declared or undeclared), natural disasters, weather, acts of terrorism, riot or civil disturbance, satellite or equipment failure, federal state or local government law, order or regulation, public health crisis, order of any court or jurisdiction, or other cause not within Sponsor’s control (each a “Force Majeure” event or occurrence).

Each entrant understands and agrees that all rights under section 1542 of the civil code of California and any similar law of any state or jurisdiction of the United States are hereby expressly waived by him/her. Section 1542 reads as follows:

“A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.”

In the event of a dispute over the identity of an entrant, entry will be deemed submitted by the “Authorized Account Holder” of the e-mail address submitted at time of entry and such individual must comply with these Official Rules. Authorized Account Holder means the natural person 18 years of age or older and the age of majority who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. Sponsor and/or Administrator may ask any entrant or potential winner to provide Sponsor and/or Administrator with proof that such party is the authorized account holder of the email account associated with the entry. Entry materials/data that have been tampered with or altered, or mass Entries or Entries generated by a script, macro or use of automated devices are void. The Released Parties are not responsible for: (i) error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, wireless network, telephone equipment, telephone line, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions of any kind, or inaccurate transmission of or failure to receive Entry or email information by Sponsor on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site or any combination thereof or any other reason beyond Sponsor's control; or (ii) any injury or damage to persons or property, including but not limited to death, which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use of the prize. By participating in the Sweepstakes, you (i) agree to be bound by these Official Rules, including all eligibility requirements, and (ii) agree to be bound by the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. Behavior which is intended to disrupt or undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes, or which is intended to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person, or any failure to comply with these Official Rules, may result in disqualification from the Sweepstakes, and Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages and other remedies from any such person engaging in such behavior to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor reserves the right to: (i) permanently disqualify from the Sweepstakes any person it believes has intentionally violated these Official Rules; and (ii) cancel, suspend and/or modify the Sweepstakes without any liability if any fraud, virus, tampering, bugs, unauthorized intervention, technical failures or other factor beyond Sponsor’s control impairs the administration, functioning, fairness, integrity or proper play of the Sweepstakes, as determined by Sponsor and/or Administrator in their sole discretion, and withdraw the online method of entry if it becomes technically corrupted (including if a computer virus or system malfunction inalterably impairs its ability to conduct the Sweepstakes), and to select winners from among all eligible Entries received prior to withdrawal. Inclusion in such random drawing shall be each entrant’s sole and exclusive remedy under such circumstances.

The Released Parties are not responsible for incompatibility of entrant’ hardware, software or browser technology with the Sponsor’s hardware, software or browser technology.  

Failure by the Sponsor or Administrator to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

LEGAL WARNING: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN INDIVIDUAL, WHETHER OR NOT AN ENTRANT, TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE, DESTROY, TAMPER OR VANDALIZE THIS WEB SITE OR INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES, IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES AND DILIGENTLY PURSUE ALL REMEDIES AGAINST ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

DISPUTES, ARBITRATION, AND GOVERNING LAW:  You agree that these Official Rules and your participation in this Sweepstakes are governed by the laws of the state of New York, USA. You, Sponsor, and Administrator waive the right to a trial by jury and the right to bring or resolve any dispute as a class, consolidated, representative, collective, or private attorney general action. Notwithstanding any provision in the JAMS (defined below) rules to the contrary, the arbitrator shall not have the authority or any jurisdiction to hear the arbitration as a class, consolidated, representative, collective, or private attorney general action or to consolidate, join, or otherwise combine the claims of different persons into one proceeding.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, each of the parties agree to finally settle all disputes only through arbitration; provided, however, the Sponsor and Administrator shall be entitled to seek injunctive or equitable relief in the state and federal courts located in New York, New York, and any other court with jurisdiction over the parties. In arbitration, there is no judge or jury and review is limited. The arbitrator’s decision and award is final and binding, with limited exceptions, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court with jurisdiction. The parties agree that, except as set forth above, any claim, suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Sweepstakes will be resolved solely by binding arbitration before a sole arbitrator under the streamlined arbitration rules procedures of JAMS Inc. (“JAMS”) or any successor to JAMS. In the event JAMS is unwilling or unable to set a hearing date within fourteen (14) days of the filing of a “demand for arbitration,” then a party can elect to have the arbitration administered by another mutually agreeable arbitration administration service who will hear the case. If an in-person hearing is required, then it will take place in New York City, NY, Duluth, MN, Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA, Atlanta, GA or Dallas, TX (whichever is closest to your residence) or your hometown area (but only if required by the applicable arbitration rules or procedures). The federal or state law that applies to these Official Rules will also apply during the arbitration. The parties agree that, in the event that there are fifty (50) or more individual requests for arbitration of a similar nature filed against Sponsor, Administrator or another Released Party (defined above) within an approximately thirty-day period (or otherwise in close proximity), JAMS will administer all such similarly situated arbitration demands on a collective basis as a single, consolidated arbitration (subject to a single set of fees, proceeding schedule, and if required, hearing) before a single arbitrator in accordance with the requirements outlined elsewhere in this paragraph, provided that—in the event that the arbitrator deems it impracticable or inequitable to administer all such claims collectively in a single arbitration he/she/they may group demands for arbitration into groups of not fewer than twenty (20) matters, plus a remainder group as needed (or as otherwise deemed by the arbitrator to be practicable, equitable, and in best keeping with the spirit of this provision) and arbitrate each group of matters as a single, consolidated arbitration (either structure, a “satch Arbitration”). The parties agree (1) to work with JAMS in good faith to facilitate the resolution of disputes on a Batch Arbitration basis and (2) that requests for arbitration are of a “imilar nature” if they arise out of the same sweepstakes, event, agreement, or factual scenario and raise the same or similar legal issues and seek the same or similar relief. Disagreements over the applicability of this Batch Arbitration process will be settled in a single, consolidated arbitration proceeding that includes all affected parties and is resolved by a single arbitrator subject to the requirements of this paragraph. This Batch Arbitration provision shall in no way be interpreted as authorizing a class or collective arbitration or action of any kind, or any suit or arbitration involving joint or consolidated claims, under any circumstances other than those expressly set forth in this paragraph. Under any other circumstances, disputes will by arbitrated only on an individual basis and will not be consolidated with any other proceedings that involve any claims or controversy of another party, including any class actions or class arbitrations; provided, however, if for any reason any court or arbitrator holds that this restriction is unconscionable or unenforceable, then the agreement to arbitrate does not apply and the dispute must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in New York, New York. As among Sponsor, Administrator, and the entrant, Sponsor and Administrator agree to pay the administrative and arbitrator’s fees in order to conduct the arbitration (but specifically excluding any travel or other costs of entrant to attend the arbitration hearing). A party may, notwithstanding this provision, bring qualifying claims in small claims court. In no event will you seek or be entitled to rescission, injunctive or other equitable relief or to enjoin or restrain the operation or exploitation of the Sweepstakes. Further, in any such dispute, under no circumstances will an entrant be permitted or entitled to obtain awards for, and as a condition of entering the Sweepstakes waives all rights to claim, incidental or consequential damages. As a condition of entering the Sweepstakes, each entrant agees that the aggregate liability of the sweepstakes entities will not exceed ten U.S. dollars ($10 USD). As a condition of entering the Sweepstakes, each entrant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.

PRIVACY: By entering and providing the required entry information, entrants acknowledge that the Sponsor may also send information, samples or special offers it believes may be of interest to entrant. Personal information collected from online entrants is subject to the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.   

OFFICIAL RULES:  To request a copy of the Official Rules, see https://www.anntaylor.com/ann-reviews-sweeps-rules-lp/cat1010020, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by July 10, 2024, to: The Ann Taylor Ratings & Review Sweepstakes Official Rules Request, PO Box 654, Social Circle, GA 30025-654.

WINNERS LIST:  For confirmation of the prize winners names and cities of residence, send a self-addressed stamped envelope, to be received by August 10, 2024 to: The Ann Taylor Ratings & Review Winners List Request, PO Box 654, Social Circle, GA 30025-654.

INDEPENDENT SWEEPSTAKES ADMINISTRATOR:  The US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment Co. (625 Panorama Trail Suite 2100, Rochester, NY 14625-0466).

OFFICIAL SPONSOR: Premium Brands Opco LLC (7 Times Square, New York, NY 10036). 

Void in Puerto Rico, outside the United States and wherever else prohibited by law.