Legal Definitions - pur tant que

Pur tant que is a legal phrase originating from Law French. It translates to mean "inasmuch as," "given that," "because," or "for the purpose of." This phrase is used to introduce a premise, a condition, or a reason that justifies or explains a subsequent statement, action, or legal provision. It essentially sets forth the basis upon which something else is true, valid, or required.

• Example in a Contractual Agreement:

  A lease agreement might contain a clause stating: "The tenant shall be entitled to renew the lease for an additional two-year term, pur tant que all rental payments have been made on time and no breaches of the lease terms have occurred during the initial period."

  Explanation: In this scenario, pur tant que establishes the specific conditions that must be met for the tenant to exercise their right to renew the lease. The renewal is granted because (or "provided that") the tenant has fulfilled their obligations regarding timely payments and adherence to lease terms.

• Example in a Legislative Act:

  A preamble to a new public health law could state: "Pur tant que recent epidemiological data indicates a rising incidence of infectious diseases, the Department of Health is hereby authorized to implement mandatory vaccination programs for certain populations."

  Explanation: Here, pur tant que introduces the foundational reason or justification for the legislative action. The authority to implement vaccination programs is granted because (or "inasmuch as") the epidemiological data demonstrates a clear public health need.

• Example in a Court Order:

  A judge might issue an order declaring: "The court finds in favor of the plaintiff and awards damages, pur tant que the defendant's negligence directly caused the plaintiff's injuries, as proven by the evidence presented."

  Explanation: In this context, pur tant que explains the basis for the judge's decision to award damages. The award is made because (or "given that") the specific condition of the defendant's proven negligence and causation of injury has been established.