在英文法律起草中，情态动词的作用是用来正确反映起草者的判断或反映。“shall”有时还表示为“确定性”、“肯定性”和“强调性”，用来增强法律语言的庄严性，更能体现出法律的的权威感。因此“shall”在法律英语中被广泛地使用。

（1）No state shall make or enforce any law that shall abrogate the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; Nor shall any person forfeit his life, liberty or property without the consent of the proper law; And no one within the jurisdiction of the state may be denied equal legal protection.

任何州，不得制定或施行剥夺合众国公民之特权或特免的法律；也不得在未经正当法律许可，使任何人丧失其生命、自由或财产；并且对于该州管辖区内的任何人，都不得拒绝给予平等的法侓保护。

（2）We insist that shipment of goods shall be made in the specifications stated in the S/C.

我梦应该坚持按章销售说明书中所说的规格交货。

（3）In the event that the office of Chief Executive become vacant, a new Chief Executive shall be elected within six month in accordance with the provisions of Article 45 of this Law. During the period of vacancy, his or her duties shall be assumed according to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

行政长官缺位时，应在六个月内依本法第四十五条的规定产生新的行政长官，行政长官缺位期间的行政代理依照上款规定办理。（《中华人民共和国香港特别行政区基本法》第53条第二款）。