Legal Definitions - nota bene

Nota Bene (often abbreviated as N.B.) is a Latin phrase meaning "note well." It is used in legal and other formal documents to draw particular attention to a specific piece of information that is especially important, critical, or requires careful consideration. Its purpose is to ensure that the reader does not overlook a crucial detail, warning, or instruction.

• Imagine a lease agreement for an apartment. A specific clause might state: "N.B.: Tenants are solely responsible for all repairs and maintenance costs associated with damage caused by pets, regardless of the security deposit amount."

  This example illustrates nota bene because it highlights a significant financial responsibility for tenants with pets, ensuring they are fully aware of this particular condition beyond the standard security deposit terms.

• Consider a court summons for jury duty. At the bottom, there might be a section stating: "Nota Bene: Failure to appear on the specified date and time without a valid excuse may result in a contempt of court charge and associated penalties."

  Here, nota bene emphasizes the serious consequences of not complying with the summons, making it clear that this instruction is not merely advisory but carries legal repercussions.

• In a company's employee handbook detailing expense reimbursement policies, a section might include: "N.B.: All travel expenses exceeding $500 must receive prior written approval from a department head before booking, or they will not be reimbursed."

  This use of nota bene draws attention to a critical procedural requirement for larger expenses, preventing employees from incurring costs that the company will not cover due to lack of pre-approval.