As agreed upon in agreement: Understanding the importance of precise language in legal documents
Legal documents can be dense, complex, and frustrating to read. They contain a wealth of information, but that information is only useful if it is communicated clearly and effectively. One area where this is especially true is in the language used to describe agreements between parties. In this article, we will explore the importance of precise language in legal agreements, and why the phrase “as agreed upon in agreement” should be avoided wherever possible.
The problem with imprecise language
Imagine you are reading a contract that says “Party A agrees to provide Party B with goods as agreed upon in agreement.” What does this mean? If you`re like most people, you`ll assume that this means the parties have already agreed upon the specific goods to be provided. But what if they haven`t? What if the agreement merely states that Party A will provide “goods” without specifying what those goods are? In that case, the phrase “as agreed upon in agreement” is meaningless, and provides no useful information to the reader.
This may seem like a minor issue, but it can have serious consequences. Vague or imprecise language can lead to misunderstandings, disputes, and even litigation. If one party believes they have agreed to one thing, while the other party believes they have agreed to something else, the result can be costly and time-consuming legal battles.
The importance of clarity and specificity
To avoid these types of problems, it is essential to use clear, specific language in legal documents. This means avoiding vague or ambiguous terms like “as agreed upon in agreement” and instead providing as much detail as possible about the terms and conditions of the agreement.
For example, instead of saying “Party A agrees to provide Party B with goods as agreed upon in agreement,” the contract could say “Party A agrees to provide Party B with 100 widgets, as specified in Exhibit A attached hereto.” This language leaves no room for ambiguity or misunderstanding – both parties know exactly what is expected of them.
Another example of clarity and specificity can be found in the use of defined terms. For instance, an agreement might define the term “goods” to mean “widgets, as described in Exhibit A.” This allows the parties to refer back to the definition whenever the term is used, guaranteeing that everyone is on the same page.
Conclusion
In conclusion, precise language is critical in legal documents. The phrase “as agreed upon in agreement” should be avoided wherever possible, as it is imprecise and can lead to confusion. Instead, contracts should use clear, specific terms and defined terms to ensure that everyone involved understands exactly what is expected of them. By taking the time to craft precise language, parties can avoid costly misunderstandings and ensure that their agreements are clear, enforceable, and effective.