What does “consecutive” mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, "consecutive" refers to events or sentences that follow one another in succession, without any interruption in between. When a legal term specifies that sentences are to be served consecutively, it means that the first sentence must be completed before the next one begins. This creates a cumulative effect on the total time served, as opposed to concurrent sentences, which would allow multiple sentences to be served at the same time. Thus, when interpreting legal documents or court rulings, understanding the term "consecutive" as one thing following another is crucial for clarity in sentencing and compliance with the law.