Materiality
/məˌtɪəˈrɪəlɪti/
Definitions
- (n.) The quality of being relevant or significant to the decision or outcome in a legal context.
The court assessed the materiality of the evidence before admitting it.
- (n.) In contract and corporate law, the threshold at which a fact or omission influences the judgment or decision of a reasonable party.
Non-disclosure of the defect was deemed a breach due to its materiality.
Related terms
Commentary
Materiality often defines the boundary between trivial and legally impactful facts; drafters should clearly specify the applicable standard in contracts.
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.