The phrase is often used to describe the transfer of items with sentimental or cultural importance.

Heritage Focus

Handing down can also mean passing on non-physical items like stories or skills.

Not Always Material

Avoid confusion with legal use; in personal contexts, 'hand down' has no formal legal meaning.

Used in legal contexts to indicate the final decision, often with societal impact.

It's used when someone in authority, like a judge, announces a decision.

This usage of 'hand down' is formal, appropriate in legal and official documents.