Legal Definitions - tout court

Tout court is a French phrase used in legal and academic contexts to mean "simply," "plainly," or "without further qualification." It indicates that a statement or concept is presented in its most basic form, without additional details, exceptions, or elaborating explanations.

Here are some examples to illustrate its use:

• Imagine a new company policy: "All employees must complete the mandatory cybersecurity training by the end of the month, tout court."

  This means there are no options for extensions, exemptions for senior staff, or alternative training methods; it is a simple, unqualified requirement for everyone, without further explanation or conditions.

• In a contract negotiation, one party might state, "Our offer for the property is $500,000, tout court."

  This signifies that the offer is a straightforward figure, without any hidden clauses, conditions for financing, or room for further negotiation on the price itself. It's presented as a final, unqualified sum.

• Consider a judge delivering a verdict: "Based on the evidence presented, the court finds the defendant liable, tout court."

  This indicates a clear, unqualified finding of liability. It means the judgment is simply that the defendant is responsible, without adding any specific reasons, mitigating factors, or recommendations for damages at that particular moment.