Legal Definitions - thence

Thence is a formal term used to indicate a progression or movement from a specific point in space or time. It essentially means "from that place" or "from that time." In legal documents, particularly those describing property boundaries, it is crucial for establishing a continuous path or sequence.

Here are some examples illustrating its use:

• Property Description: Imagine a legal deed describing the boundaries of a piece of land. The description might read: "Beginning at the iron pin at the southeast corner, running north 300 feet to the old maple tree, thence east 150 feet to the fence line, and thence south 300 feet along the fence line to the public road."

  In this example, thence precisely indicates that after reaching the old maple tree, the next segment of the property boundary begins *from that exact point* and extends 150 feet to the east. Similarly, after reaching the fence line, the boundary continues *from that point* south along the fence. It ensures a clear, unbroken description of the property's perimeter, preventing any ambiguity about where each segment of the boundary begins.

• Procedural Instructions: Consider a court order outlining a series of steps to be followed: "The defendant shall pay the outstanding fine within 30 days, thence provide proof of payment to the court clerk, and thence attend mandatory counseling sessions."

  Here, thence establishes a clear sequence of actions. After the fine is paid, the next step is to provide proof of payment *from that point in time*. Following that, *from that point* (after providing proof), the defendant must attend counseling. It ensures that each action follows the completion of the preceding one in a defined order.