When it comes to legal documents and contracts, there is often a phrase that appears towards the end of the agreement: “This agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [insert jurisdiction].” But what does this phrase really mean?
First, let`s break it down. “Governing law” refers to the jurisdiction whose laws will apply to the agreement. “Construed” means how the courts will interpret the agreement if a dispute arises.
But why include this clause in the first place? The primary reason is to avoid confusion or uncertainty about which laws will apply in case of a dispute. By stating the governing law upfront, all parties are on the same page and understand the legal framework within which the agreement will be enforced.
Moreover, this clause can also serve to clarify any potential conflicts between different jurisdictions` laws. For example, if one party is based in New York and the other party is based in California, which state`s laws will apply in case of a dispute? The governing law clause can provide a clear answer to this question.
From an SEO perspective, including this clause can also be beneficial. By specifying the governing law, search engines can more easily understand the context and content of the legal document, which can improve its ranking in search results.
But it`s not enough to simply include this clause and call it a day. It`s important to ensure that the chosen governing law is appropriate and relevant to the agreement at hand. For example, if the agreement involves international parties, it may be necessary to specify a governing law that can adequately address the legal needs of both parties.
In summary, including a “This agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [insert jurisdiction]” clause can provide clarity and certainty in legal agreements while also potentially improving SEO. However, it`s important to choose the appropriate governing law for the agreement in question.