Blue Pencil Rule
/ˈbluː ˈpɛnsl ruːl/
Definitions
- (n.) A judicial doctrine allowing courts to strike or modify unenforceable parts of a contract while enforcing the remainder.
The court applied the blue pencil rule to remove the overly broad non-compete clause.
Forms
- blue pencil rules
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The blue pencil rule permits courts to modify contracts by deleting offending portions without rewriting entire agreements, supporting enforceability while respecting parties' intent.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.