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Law vocabulary · Legal Writing & Drafting

Clause

Meaning in law, with examples

/klɔːz/nounCore term

In law, clause means: A numbered section of a contract or other legal document that deals with one particular point, such as payment, termination or confidentiality.

In Turkish: madde, hüküm, şart

How it is used

Contracts are made of clauses, often with sub-clauses: 'clause 4.2(b)'. Lawyers 'draft', 'insert', 'delete', 'negotiate' and 'rely on' clauses. Typical names: termination clause, confidentiality clause, force majeure clause.

Example sentences

  1. Clause 12 allows either party to terminate the agreement with ninety days' notice.

  2. The other side wants to delete the non-compete clause entirely.

Common collocations

  • termination clause
  • confidentiality clause
  • insert a clause
  • under clause 5
  • force majeure clause
  • contractAn agreement between two or more parties that the law will enforce, setting out what each side must do or give.
  • provisionA part of a law or a legal document that states a particular rule, condition or requirement.
  • draftTo write a legal document such as a contract, letter or court submission, usually as a first version that others will review and change.
  • draw upTo prepare a formal written document, such as a contract, a will or a list, usually carefully and in its complete form.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Legal Writing & Drafting

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.