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TIPS, TRIVIA & TIDBITS: Ten Legal Terms Most Used in Contracts and What They Mean

Posted on March 7, 2023

What are the most legal terms used in a contract, and what do they mean?

According to published reports, these are the legal terms:

1. Consideration: This is an exchange of something of value between two parties, forming the basis of a contract.

2. Breach of Contract: This refers to a failure to perform a contractual obligation.

3. Indemnification: This clause requires one party to cover any losses suffered by the other party due to a breach of contract.

4. Covenants: These are promises made by one party to another, which are legally binding.

5. Warranties: These are statements of fact, made by one party to another, which are legally binding.

6. Assignment: This is the act of transferring a contractual right or obligation from one party to another.

7. Arbitration: This is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party hears and decides a dispute between two parties.

8. Force Majeure: This is a clause that excuses a party from performing its contractual obligations due to circumstances outside of its reasonable control.

9. Liquidated Damages: This clause establishes a pre-determined sum of money that one party must pay to the other in the event of a breach of contract.

10. Waiver: This is an agreement to give up a right or claim.

The Federal Trade Commission gives tips and information on how to hire a lawyer. 

To get this consumer information from the FTC, click here: FTC

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