In legal writing, the phrase ‘because of this’ is often replaced by more formal and precise terms to maintain clarity and professionalism. Legalese tends to favor expressions that leave little room for ambiguity, especially in contracts, pleadings, and official correspondence. Understanding how because of this translates into formal legal language is essential for lawyers, paralegals, law students, and anyone drafting legal documents. Choosing the right equivalent can affect how a statement is interpreted in court or during negotiations.
Meaning of Because of This in Legal Context
In everyday English, because of this simply means that one event happened as a direct result of another. In legal writing, this causal connection must be stated in precise terms to avoid misunderstandings. Lawyers often avoid casual connectors and instead use structured phrases that clearly establish cause and effect.
Common Legal Alternatives
- As a result
- Due to the foregoing
- By reason thereof
- Thereby
- As a consequence
- Pursuant thereto
These alternatives are more formal and align with the style typically found in legal documents. They carry the same meaning as because of this but present it in a way that suits the expectations of judges, attorneys, and legal scholars.
Why Legal Documents Avoid Casual Phrases
Legalese is designed to be precise, consistent, and free from casual language. Everyday expressions like because of this may be perfectly clear to the general public, but in legal writing, they can introduce unnecessary informality or ambiguity. For example, in a contract, replacing because of this with due to the foregoing ties the statement explicitly to what was just stated in a legally binding manner.
Precision in Legal Interpretation
Courts interpret legal documents based on their language. The use of precise connectors ensures that cause-and-effect relationships are interpreted exactly as intended. This is especially important in cases involving liability, contractual obligations, or statutory interpretation.
Examples of Because of This in Legal Usage
Example 1: Contract Law
Informal:The tenant failed to pay rent on time. Because of this, the landlord terminated the lease.
Formal Legalese:The tenant failed to pay rent on time. Due to the foregoing, the landlord hereby terminates the lease pursuant to Section 4.2 of the agreement.
Example 2: Court Pleadings
Informal:The defendant breached the contract. Because of this, the plaintiff suffered financial losses.
Formal Legalese:The defendant breached the contract. As a result thereof, the plaintiff sustained monetary damages in the amount of $25,000.
Example 3: Statutory Interpretation
Informal:The law was violated. Because of this, penalties apply.
Formal Legalese:The statute was violated. Thereby, the statutory penalties prescribed under Section 12 shall apply.
Preferred Legal Substitutes for Because of This
When drafting a legal document, choosing the correct substitute depends on the context:
- Due to the foregoing: Ideal when referring back to a specific preceding statement in contracts or agreements.
- As a result thereof: Common in court documents to link a cause directly to its legal consequence.
- By reason thereof: Often used in formal pleadings or legislative drafting to establish causation.
- Thereby: Suitable for concise cause-and-effect statements, especially in procedural writing.
- Pursuant thereto: Best used when the action follows a specific legal authority or provision.
Impact of Word Choice on Legal Documents
The difference between casual and formal wording in legal writing is not just about style it can influence how enforceable a document is. Informal phrasing might be challenged in court if it creates uncertainty. A more formal phrase removes doubt and strengthens the enforceability of the document.
Risk of Ambiguity
Using because of this without clarifying what this refers to could create ambiguity. In contrast, due to the foregoing explicitly links the effect to the immediately preceding statement, minimizing interpretive disputes.
When Because of This Might Still Appear
While rare in formal contracts and pleadings, because of this may occasionally appear in less formal legal communications, such as emails between attorneys, explanatory letters to clients, or simplified summaries of legal positions. Even then, attorneys often switch to more precise alternatives when drafting official documents to file with the court or to sign in binding agreements.
Tips for Replacing Because of This in Legal Writing
- Identify the exact cause-and-effect relationship.Make sure the phrase clearly points to the correct legal fact or event.
- Use the most formal option that fits the context.For contracts, due to the foregoing is often best. For pleadings, as a result thereof may be preferable.
- Ensure consistency throughout the document.Avoid switching between casual and formal phrases without reason.
- Consider how the phrase reads in context.The replacement should feel natural and maintain the document’s professional tone.
Common Legal Scenarios Requiring Formal Causation Phrases
- Lease Violations: Describing consequences for tenant breaches.
- Contract Terminations: Stating the reason for ending a business agreement.
- Tort Claims: Linking negligent acts to damages suffered.
- Regulatory Penalties: Explaining the imposition of fines after violations.
- Judicial Orders: Outlining the cause for specific court rulings.
In legalese, because of this is rarely used in its casual form. Legal professionals replace it with precise and formal expressions such as due to the foregoing, as a result thereof, or by reason thereof. This choice ensures clarity, reduces ambiguity, and aligns with professional legal writing standards. Whether drafting a contract, filing a motion, or interpreting a statute, selecting the proper causation phrase strengthens the document’s credibility and legal enforceability.