Legal Dictionary

Ab Initio

Ab Initio is a Latin term commonly used in the legal field to refer to something that is considered from the beginning or from the start. In a legal context, it often pertains to contracts or agreements that are deemed void or unenforceable from their inception due to some fundamental flaw or illegality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of contracts that may be considered ab initio?

Examples of contracts that may be considered ab initio include those that involve illegal activities, such as contracts for the sale of illegal drugs or contracts that involve fraudulent misrepresentation.

What are the consequences of a contract being deemed ab initio?

When a contract is deemed void ab initio, it is considered null and void from the beginning. This means that neither party can enforce the terms of the contract, and any obligations or rights arising from the contract are extinguished.
The 2023 Legal Trends Report

The 2023 Legal Trends Report

Dive into this data-driven analysis and gain valuable insights on legal cloud technologies, evolving client expectations, state-by-state billing rate breakdowns, and more.

Read the Report