clause

In language, a clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb, or it may refer to just a part of a sentence. For example, the phrase "If he gets the job" is a clause, but not a sentence. "He gets the job." is a sentence.

Legal documents are generally broken down into many numbered sections, making navigation through the document easier. These separate sections, paragraphs, segments, and phrases are called "clauses." Clauses are commonly used in contracts, deeds [契据], wills [遗嘱], settlement agreements, and other important documents. As an example of a clause, attorney Mark may direct the court to a specific section of his client's employment contract, saying: "In Section II, paragraph 3, the employment contract specifically allows Mr. Smith to continue his work on his book."

When creating a contract, it is common for lawyers to use templates that contain certain standard language. They then add provisions that are specific to the agreement. Such contracts have usually already been formatted into sections, using a multi-level list. There are a number of types of contract clause that are regularly used.

Contracts are not the only legal documents broken down into clauses. In fact, the U.S. Constitution is made up of hundreds of clauses. These are often referred to by their Article, Section, and clause or paragraph numbers, though many clauses of the Constitution are referred to often enough to have been given names as well.

In 2011, Gulliver Preparatory School in Florida decided not to renew their headmaster's employment contract. The headmaster, 60-year Patrick Snay, filed a civil lawsuit claiming age discrimination. The school settled with Snay, agreeing to pay him $150,000. The settlement contained a confidentiality clause that limited Snay to discussing the case only with his wife, his attorney, and other professional advisors.

con·fi·den·ti·al·i·ty /ˌkɔnfidenʃiˈæliti/ 长词按音节记效率高。可山寨为con-fi-den-ti-ality.

六级/考研单词: verb, illicit, navigate, segment, deed, constitution, seldom, renew, headmaster, sue, discriminate