Legal Definitions - in fine

The Latin term "in fine" means "at the end" of a document, section, or passage. It can also be used to signify "in short" or "in summary," indicating a concluding statement or a brief overview.

The term in fine is a Latin phrase used in legal and formal contexts to mean one of two things:

• In summary; in short: It can introduce a concise conclusion or a brief overview of a preceding discussion.
• At the end: It can refer to a specific point or clause located at the very end of a document, chapter, section, or other written material.

Here are some examples illustrating its use:

• Example 1 (In summary): After reviewing a complex series of financial transactions, the auditor concluded, "The company's accounting practices, in fine, demonstrate a consistent pattern of non-compliance with regulatory standards."

  Explanation: In this context, "in fine" is used to introduce a concise summary of the auditor's findings, distilling a large amount of information into a brief, overarching statement.

• Example 2 (At the end of a section): A contract for services might state, "The specific deliverables for Phase 2 are enumerated in fine of Appendix A."

  Explanation: Here, "in fine" directs the reader to the very end of Appendix A, indicating where the detailed list of deliverables can be found. It specifies a precise location within a larger document.

• Example 3 (At the end of a document): During a legal argument, a lawyer might refer to "the crucial indemnification clause, which is located in fine of the partnership agreement."

  Explanation: This usage of "in fine" points to the indemnification clause as being positioned at the concluding part of the entire partnership agreement, highlighting its final placement within the document.