Shall can be interpreted to mean must, may, will or even should. In countless instances, shall is used throughout the same document, but with multiple interpretations.

Does the word shall mean mandatory?

The word 'Shall' has the following meanings: An imperative command; has a duty to or is required to. For example, the notice shall be sent within 30 days. Usually 'shall' used here is in the mandatory sense.

Does shall mean may or must?

Nearly every jurisdiction has held that the word "shall" is confusing because it can also mean "may, will or must." Legal reference books like the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure no longer use the word "shall." Even the Supreme Court ruled that when the word "shall" appears in statutes, it means "may."