Fixed legal formulas
Fixed legal formulas are standardized phrases used in French law to transition between sections (e.g., Il est convenu ce qui suit) or to certify the validity of a document (e.g., En foi de quoi).
How It Works
In the French legal system, certain phrases have a fixed, non-negotiable meaning. Understanding these is essential for reading or drafting formal documents:
- Il est convenu ce qui suit : This is an impersonal construction used to bridge the preamble (the background) and the actual articles of a contract. Note that while the impersonal form is fixed, if you use a personal subject, you must apply past participle agreement: Les parties sont convenues de...
- Réputé non écrit : This is a specific legal sanction. If a clause is réputée non écrite, it is treated as if it never existed. This is different from standard nullity because it usually applies automatically by law (de plein droit) and cannot be 'fixed' by time.
- En foi de quoi : Literally 'In faith of which,' this introduces the signature block. It certifies that everything stated above is true and serves as a transition to the execution of the document.
- Fait pour valoir ce que de droit : This closing formula is found on attestations (certificates). It indicates the document is intended to be used as evidence before any legal authority.
These expressions belong to the style soutenu (formal register) and follow strict rules of agreement and syntax that differ from casual French.
Examples (4)
- Après avoir exposé leurs intentions, il est convenu ce qui suit : Article 1...
After stating their intentions, it is agreed as follows: Article 1...
Word by Word: After to have exposed their intentions, it is agreed that which follows: Article 1...
This uses the impersonal 'il' to introduce the operative part of a contract.
- Toute clause limitant la responsabilité du professionnel est réputée non écrite.
Any clause limiting the professional's liability is deemed unwritten.
Word by Word: Any clause limiting the responsibility of the professional is deemed not written.
Note the feminine agreement of 'réputée' with 'la clause'. This means the clause is legally void.
- En foi de quoi, la présente attestation est délivrée pour servir et valoir ce que de droit.
In witness whereof, this certificate is issued for all legal intents and purposes.
Word by Word: In faith of what, the present certificate is delivered for to serve and to be worth that which of right.
A standard closing for an official certificate, combining two fixed formulas.
- Les parties sont convenues de modifier le contrat initial.
The parties have agreed to modify the initial contract.
Word by Word: The parties are agreed to modify the contract initial.
When the subject is 'Les parties', the verb 'convenir' uses 'être' and requires feminine plural agreement.
Common Mistakes
Using the subjunctive after 'il est convenu que'.
Il est convenu que le loyer soit payé d'avance.Il est convenu que le loyer sera payé d'avance.Even though it feels like a requirement, 'il est convenu' expresses a settled fact or agreement, which requires the indicative (usually future or present) rather than the subjunctive.
Forgetting agreement with 'réputé non écrit'.
Ces stipulations sont réputé non écrit.Ces stipulations sont réputées non écrites.The phrase functions as an adjective and must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes (here, 'stipulations' is feminine plural).
Confusing 'En foi de quoi' with 'En vertu de quoi'.
En vertu de quoi, j'ai signé ce document.En foi de quoi, j'ai signé ce document.'En foi de quoi' is used for witnessing/signatures. 'En vertu de quoi' means 'by virtue of which' and is used to cite a legal authority or power.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Formulaic legal closing constructions are highly formal, fixed expressions used in administrative and legal documents. To understand them, a learner must be familiar with the passive voice, the use of the impersonal 'il' in formal contexts, and the general characteristics of the 'soutenu' (formal) register in French.
- Passive with etre + past participle
Legal formulas like 'sont réputés non écrits' rely on the passive voice structure (être + past participle).
Level 3 - il (impersonnel)Impersonal Il with No Real Referent
Many legal formulas use the impersonal 'il' (e.g., 'il est convenu ce qui suit') where 'il' does not refer to a specific person or object.
Level 3 - Formal versus casual register contrast
Understanding the distinction between formal and casual registers is essential for recognizing why these specific archaic or fixed constructions are used in legal contexts.
Level 6
Related Patterns
- attendu queWhereas with Attendu Que
Another specific legal formula used primarily in court rulings to introduce the reasoning of the judge.
Level 6 - ledit / laditeLegal Designation with Ledit, Ladite
A formal way to refer back to a previously mentioned person or object in legal texts.
Level 6 - Formal register favors the passive
Legal formulas often rely on the passive voice (e.g., 'est délivrée', 'sont réputées') to maintain an objective tone.
Level 5 - Agreement in etre-conjugated past tenses
Essential for personal versions of these formulas, such as 'Les parties sont convenues'.
Level 2 - Formal inversion after sentence-initial adverbs
Legal formulas often use formal word order and inversion to emphasize the performative nature of the text.
Level 5
Practice Fixed legal formulas in Bubblegum
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