Legal Definitions - QEF

QEF is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase quod erat faciendum, which translates to "which was to be done." In a legal context, this phrase is used to indicate that a particular action, task, or step was the necessary, logical, or expected outcome or completion of a process, agreement, or mandate. It signifies that a required action has been performed or that a conclusion naturally follows from the preceding information or steps.

Here are some examples to illustrate its application:

• Contractual Obligation: Imagine a business contract where a software development company agrees to deliver a fully functional mobile application by a specific date, meeting all outlined technical specifications. When the company successfully launches the application on time, with all features working as agreed, they have completed "that which was to be done" according to the contract's terms.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates QEF because the delivery of the functional application was the specific, required action stipulated in the contract. Its successful completion fulfills the obligation.

• Regulatory Compliance: Consider a government agency that issues a new safety regulation requiring all public transportation vehicles to undergo a comprehensive annual inspection. Once a bus company has all its vehicles inspected and certified within the mandated timeframe, ensuring they meet all safety standards, they have performed "that which was to be done" to comply with the regulation.

  Explanation: Here, QEF applies because the annual inspection was a mandatory action imposed by a regulatory body. Completing the inspections as required signifies the fulfillment of this duty.

• Court Mandate: In a divorce proceeding, a judge might issue an order for one spouse to transfer a specific sum of money into an escrow account by a certain date as part of a temporary financial arrangement. When that spouse deposits the exact amount into the designated account by the deadline, they have executed "that which was to be done" as directed by the court.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates QEF because the transfer of funds was a direct, non-negotiable action commanded by a court order. Its completion means the judicial directive has been followed.