Legal Definitions - of course

In legal contexts, the phrase "of course" is used to indicate something that is either a standard, expected procedure or an obvious, self-evident conclusion.

• 1. Following the ordinary procedure or established rule.

  This usage refers to actions or outcomes that happen routinely, without requiring special discretion or an extraordinary decision, because they align with standard legal processes or established regulations.

  • Example: "After the plaintiff successfully proved their case and the defendant failed to file any objections within the stipulated timeframe, the court issued a default judgment *of course*."

    Explanation: This illustrates that if all standard procedural requirements are met (proof of case, no objections within time), the issuance of a default judgment is a routine, expected action that follows the established rules, rather than a discretionary decision by the judge.

  • Example: "When a lawyer files a standard motion for discovery, assuming all procedural rules are followed, the court will grant it *of course*."

    Explanation: This shows that certain legal requests, like a standard discovery motion, are typically approved as a matter of routine procedure, provided they comply with the established rules, without needing a special hearing or debate.

• 2. Naturally; obviously; clearly.

  This usage emphasizes that a particular fact, conclusion, or consequence is evident, undeniable, or an expected outcome based on the circumstances or evidence presented.

  • Example: "Given the clear contractual language and the undisputed breach by the vendor, the client's entitlement to damages was *of course* undeniable."

    Explanation: Here, "of course" highlights that the client's right to damages is an obvious and clear conclusion, directly and naturally stemming from the unambiguous contract terms and the confirmed breach.

  • Example: "After the jury heard the compelling testimony from multiple eyewitnesses and reviewed the corroborating video evidence, the defendant's guilt was *of course* the only logical finding."

    Explanation: This demonstrates that the evidence presented was so strong and conclusive that the defendant's guilt became an obvious and clear conclusion, a natural consequence of the trial proceedings.