Legal Definitions - inter sese

Inter sese is a Latin legal term that translates to "among themselves" or "between themselves." It refers to an agreement, understanding, or relationship that is exclusively binding upon, or relevant to, the specific parties directly involved, without affecting or creating obligations for any third parties. Essentially, it describes an internal arrangement or a private understanding within a defined group.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Business Partnership Agreement: Imagine two business partners, Alex and Ben, who own a small marketing agency. They have a detailed partnership agreement that outlines how they will share profits, make management decisions, and resolve any internal disputes. This agreement is considered inter sese because it governs the relationship and obligations only between Alex and Ben. It does not dictate how they interact with their clients, suppliers, or employees, nor does it create rights or obligations for those external parties. It's a private, internal arrangement solely for the partners themselves.

• Co-owners of Property: Consider three siblings, Carla, David, and Emily, who jointly inherit a vacation home. They decide to create a written agreement among themselves detailing a rotating schedule for who gets to use the home during different seasons and how they will split the costs for maintenance and utilities. This arrangement is inter sese because it establishes rules and responsibilities *only* among Carla, David, and Emily regarding their shared property. It doesn't affect the property's legal title, nor does it create obligations for the local homeowners' association, potential renters, or any other external party. It's an internal understanding solely for the co-owners.

• Corporate Board Protocol: A corporation's board of directors might agree inter sese on a specific internal protocol for how they will conduct their annual performance reviews for executive leadership, even if the company's official bylaws only provide a general framework for such reviews. This internal protocol is an inter sese agreement because it is a private understanding and commitment *among the board members themselves*. It guides their internal operations and decision-making process but does not create new legal obligations for the corporation as a whole towards shareholders, employees, or regulators beyond what is already stipulated in the bylaws or external laws.