Legal Definitions - valeat quantum

Valeat quantum is a Latin phrase that translates to "for as much as it is worth."

In legal contexts, this principle means that something—be it a piece of evidence, a statement, a document, or a contractual provision—should be given only the weight, value, or significance that its actual substance, credibility, or legal effect warrants. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating the true merit or impact of something, rather than simply accepting its superficial appearance or initial claim.

• Example 1: Expert Witness Testimony

  In a complex patent infringement lawsuit, an expert witness testifies about the technical intricacies of the patented invention. The judge allows the expert's testimony but reminds the jury that they must consider the expert's qualifications, the methodology used to form their opinion, and any potential biases when deciding how much weight to give to their statements. The jury is instructed to assess the testimony valeat quantum.

  This example illustrates valeat quantum because the jury is not expected to blindly accept the expert's opinion. Instead, they are tasked with critically evaluating its underlying basis and the expert's credibility to determine its true value and impact on the case.

• Example 2: Contractual Clause Enforceability

  A software development contract includes a clause stating that if the project is delayed, the developer must pay the client $10,000 for each day of delay, regardless of the actual financial harm suffered by the client. While this clause is written into the contract, a court might later review it and determine that such a high, fixed penalty is an unenforceable "penalty clause" rather than a reasonable estimate of damages. The court would then enforce the clause valeat quantum, meaning it would only allow the client to recover actual, provable damages, or a more reasonable amount determined by law, rather than the full $10,000 per day.

  Here, the contractual clause, despite its explicit wording, is only worth valeat quantum—what a court deems legally enforceable and reasonable based on established contract law principles, not necessarily the full amount stated on paper.

• Example 3: Disputed Property Valuation

  During a bankruptcy proceeding, a debtor lists a commercial property on their assets statement with a value of $2 million, based on an appraisal conducted three years prior. However, the trustee in bankruptcy obtains a more recent appraisal, which reflects a significant downturn in the local real estate market, valuing the property at $1.5 million. The court will consider the debtor's older appraisal valeat quantum, giving it less weight than the more current and accurate valuation when determining the property's true worth for the distribution of assets.

  This demonstrates valeat quantum because the court acknowledges the existence of the older appraisal but gives it only the weight it deserves given its age and the availability of more current, reliable information, rather than accepting its stated value without question.