More or Less in Legal Contracts

The term 'more or less' is used in legal contracts to allow for a slight deviation from the specified amount or measurement. For example, land described as 100 acres, more or less, means the contract remains valid even if the land is slightly more or less than 100 acres.
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Definition

More or Less is a term used in legal contracts and conveyances to indicate that the exact amount of a specified measurement is approximate and small variations from the stated measurement do not affect the validity of the contract. This stipulation is often employed in real estate transactions where exact measurements are not practicable.

Examples

  1. Real Estate Transactions: A piece of land is described in a sale contract as measuring “100 acres, more or less.” If the actual survey determines the land is 98 or 102 acres, the contract remains binding.

  2. Supply Agreements: A supplier agrees to deliver “500 tons of grain, more or less.” If delivery amounts to 495 or 505 tons, the agreement is still considered fulfilled.

  3. Construction Projects: A contractor agrees to build “20,000 square feet of office space, more or less.” Minor deviations due to practical considerations do not void the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What does ‘more or less’ imply in property descriptions?

  • A1: It implies that the actual size of the property may vary slightly from the stated dimensions, but the contract remains enforceable despite these variations.

Q2: Is there a legal threshold for ‘more or less’?

  • A2: Specific legal thresholds can vary depending on jurisdiction and the nature of the contract. However, minor, reasonable variations are generally accepted.

Q3: Can ‘more or less’ apply to non-tangible goods?

  • A3: Yes, it can apply to quantities of goods in supply contracts, the number of items produced, and other measurable quantities subject to minor deviation.

  1. Approximation: The act of estimating a number or value that is close to the actual amount but not exact. In contracts, it accommodates minor discrepancies.

  2. De Minimis: A legal principle referring to matters or issues so minor that they are not deemed legally relevant.

  3. Sale by Quantity: A sale agreement stipulating the quantity of goods to be delivered, which may also include terms tolerating minor quantity deviations.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Study

  1. Black’s Law Dictionary by Bryan A. Garner
  2. Legal Aspects of Real Estate by William Pivar and Robert Bruss
  3. Principles of Contract Law by Robert A. Hillman
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