Legal Definitions - quantum valebant

Definition: Quantum valebant is a Latin term that means "as much as they were worth." It refers to the legal principle that a contract or agreement is only valid if both parties receive something of equal value.

Example: If you agree to sell your car to someone for $10,000, but they only give you $5,000, the contract is not valid because you did not receive something of equal value. The same is true if you agree to do a job for someone for $1,000, but they only pay you $500.

Explanation: The principle of quantum valebant is important in ensuring that contracts and agreements are fair and equitable. It prevents one party from taking advantage of the other by only giving them a portion of what was promised. In the examples given, the contracts are not valid because one party did not receive something of equal value, which would be the full amount of money promised in exchange for the car or the job.