The phrase “et seq.: is a Latin term meaning “and what follows.” In the legal world, it is a shorthand way of referring to a series of provisions that follows a particular clause within a written document. Et seq. is often used to succinctly and clearly refer to all the articles or clauses that follow a particular provision, making it easier to refer to long sections of rules at once.
For example, if a contract begins with “Article I,” and the rules that follow are spread out over several articles and subsections, the phrase ‘Article I et seq.’ can refer to the entire series of provisions.
Why Is It Important to Understand the Meaning of ‘et seq.’?
For businesses, understanding the meaning of the term ‘et seq.’ is particularly important. Companies must be able to interpret and apply the rules of a contract or agreement correctly in order to ensure their rights and obligations are met. When trying to identify a particular set of rules, understanding the term ‘et seq.’ allows them to quickly and easily reference a whole subset of rules instead of having to parse through and identify each individual rule.
Though “et seq.: is an important legal term, it is not as commonly used as other Latin terms such as “e.g.,” and “i.e.” Understanding the meaning of “et seq.,” however, can help businesses to better understand and interpret contract or agreement language. This, in turn, can help ensure both parties are meeting their legal obligations.