After agreement by: A common mistake in legal language
In legal language, precision and clarity are essential. Every word counts, and even the slightest mistake can lead to confusion or misunderstandings. Unfortunately, many legal professionals make a common mistake when using the phrase “after agreement by.”
The problem with “after agreement by” is that it is ambiguous and imprecise. It leaves the reader wondering what kind of agreement is required, who must agree, and how the agreement is reached. Here are a few examples to illustrate the issue:
– “After agreement by the parties, the contract will be binding.” Does this mean that all parties must agree, or just some of them? Do they need to sign the contract or express their agreement in some other way? What happens if they don`t agree?
– “After agreement by the board of directors, the new policy will go into effect.” Does this mean that all members of the board must approve the policy, or just a majority? How is the agreement documented and communicated to the rest of the organization?
– “After agreement by the government and the opposition, the constitutional amendment will be enacted.” What kind of agreement is required here? A formal vote in parliament? A public referendum? How long will it take to reach an agreement, and what if there is no consensus?
As you can see, “after agreement by” raises more questions than it answers. It is better to be specific about the type of agreement that is required, who must agree, and how the agreement is reached. Here are some alternatives that may be more suitable in different contexts:
– “After all parties have signed the contract, it will be binding.”
– “After the board of directors has approved the policy by a two-thirds majority, it will go into effect.”
– “After the government and the opposition have ratified the constitutional amendment in a public referendum, it will be enacted.”
Of course, these examples are not exhaustive and may not be appropriate in every situation. The key is to think carefully about what kind of agreement is required and how it will be documented and communicated. This will help to avoid confusion and disputes down the line.
In conclusion, “after agreement by” is a common mistake in legal language that should be avoided. Instead, legal professionals should be specific about the type of agreement that is required and how it will be reached. Clear and precise language is essential in legal documents, and every effort should be made to avoid ambiguity and confusion.