Understanding the Purport of Legal Documents: Why It Matters and How to Determine It

Purport, in the context of legal documents, refers to the intended meaning or purpose of a provision or clause in a contract or other legal document. It is the intention or objective that the drafters of the document had in mind when they included a particular provision or clause.

For example, if a contract includes a clause that states "the parties agree to resolve any disputes through arbitration," the purport of that clause would be to provide a method for resolving disputes without going to court. The purport of the clause is not just its literal meaning, but also the broader intention behind it, such as avoiding costly and time-consuming litigation.

Understanding the purport of a legal document can be important in interpreting its provisions and determining how they apply to specific situations. It can also help parties to a contract or other legal document to understand each other's intentions and avoid misunderstandings or disputes.