Legal Definitions - entire

In legal terms, entire refers to something that is complete, undivided, and considered as a single, indivisible unit. It emphasizes the wholeness or completeness of an item, agreement, or obligation, meaning it is not missing any parts and cannot be separated or broken down into smaller components.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Entire Agreement Clause in a Contract

  Imagine two companies signing a complex software licensing agreement. The contract includes a clause stating, "This document constitutes the entire agreement between the parties."

  How it illustrates the term: This clause means that the written contract itself contains all the terms, conditions, and understandings that the parties have agreed upon. No prior discussions, emails, verbal promises, or other documents are considered part of the binding agreement. The contract is viewed as a complete and undivided whole, and nothing outside of it is legally enforceable as part of that specific deal.

• Example 2: Entire Interest in Property

  A property owner's will specifies that their child will inherit their "entire interest in the family farm."

  How it illustrates the term: This means the child will receive full ownership of the family farm, including all associated rights, land, buildings, and any other components that constitute the owner's stake. No portion of the farm or the owner's rights to it will be withheld or divided among other beneficiaries; the child receives the complete and undivided ownership interest.

• Example 3: Entire Performance of a Service

  A construction company is contracted to complete the "entire construction of a new residential building," from foundation to roof, including all interior finishes.

  How it illustrates the term: This signifies that the construction company is responsible for delivering a fully finished and functional building, encompassing all specified phases and elements of the construction process. Their obligation is to complete the whole project, not just a partial aspect like only the framing or only the plumbing. The performance expected is complete and undivided.