Legal Definitions - backdate

Definition: To put a date earlier than the actual date on something, such as a document or instrument. This does not affect the negotiability of the instrument under UCC § 3-113(a). It can also refer to making something retroactively valid.

• John forgot to sign a contract on the day it was supposed to be signed, so he backdated it to make it look like it was signed on time.
• The company wanted to make a donation to a charity, but they missed the deadline. They decided to backdate the check to make it look like it was sent before the deadline.

These examples illustrate how backdating can be used to make something appear as if it happened earlier than it actually did. This can be done for various reasons, such as to meet a deadline or to make a document appear more legitimate. However, it is important to note that backdating can be illegal in certain situations, such as when it is used to deceive or defraud someone.