Legal Definitions - force and effect

Definition: Force and effect refers to the legal efficacy or the power of a legal action to produce a result. It is a redundant legal term that emphasizes the importance of the legal action.

Example: Mailing the brief had the force and effect of filing it with the clerk.

Explanation: This means that even though the brief was not physically filed with the clerk, mailing it was enough to make it legally effective. The term "force and effect" emphasizes the legal power of the action, which in this case was mailing the brief.

Example: Signing a contract has the force and effect of making it legally binding.

Explanation: This means that when someone signs a contract, it becomes legally binding and enforceable. The term "force and effect" emphasizes the legal power of the action, which in this case was signing the contract.