“For the Avoidance of Doubt”

• Posted by Geoffrey G. Gussis on August 14th, 2006


• Filed in Guides, Tips and Practice Pointers

It’s a phrase used frequently in legal documents - but is it used correctly? "For the avoidance of doubt" gets scrutinized by the AdamsDrafting blog:

"How’s this for a categorical statement: Never use for the avoidance of doubt.

Sometimes a drafter will use this phrase in a contract to introduce language that seeks to clarify preceding language, usually by indicating that something either falls within or is excluded from the scope of the preceding language. In this context, for the avoidance of doubt says, in effect, “excuse us if we state the obvious.”"

Link: AdamsDrafting � Blog Archive � “For the Avoidance of Doubt”.