Legal Definitions - hereunder

Hereunder is a legal term commonly found in formal documents like contracts, policies, and agreements. It serves two primary functions:

• To refer to something that appears later within the same document.
• To indicate that an action, condition, or obligation is established or required by the terms of that specific document.

Essentially, it means "later in this document" or "in accordance with the provisions of this document."

Examples:

• Context: A Software License Agreement

  "The user agrees to abide by the terms and conditions for data privacy as further detailed hereunder in Section 5.3."

  Explanation: In this example, "hereunder" directs the user to a specific section (Section 5.3) that appears later in the same software license agreement, where the data privacy terms are fully explained.

• Context: A Company Employee Handbook

  "All employees are eligible for annual performance bonuses, subject to the criteria established hereunder by the Human Resources department."

  Explanation: Here, "hereunder" signifies that the eligibility criteria for performance bonuses are defined and outlined within the employee handbook itself, meaning one must consult the handbook to understand those criteria.

• Context: A Real Estate Purchase Agreement

  "The buyer shall deposit the earnest money into escrow within three business days, as required hereunder by the terms of this agreement."

  Explanation: This usage of "hereunder" clarifies that the obligation for the buyer to deposit earnest money is a specific requirement mandated and detailed within the purchase agreement document itself.