Sample Legal Documents (Contracts)

Legal English Module

Anatomy of a Contract

Structure and Standard Clauses

PART A Concept & Structure

Tip: Hover over (or tap) the underlined sentences to see the Turkish translation.

When a genuine contract is examined, a standard skeleton structure is usually observed. Gerçek bir sözleşme incelendiğinde, genellikle standart bir iskelet yapısı görülür. Recognizing these sections is vital when reading or drafting a contract: Bir sözleşmeyi okurken veya yazarken bu bölümleri tanımak hayati önem taşır:

1. The Preamble: Identifies the name of the agreement, the date, and the parties (names and legal status such as "Corporation" or "Individual"). Sözleşmenin adını, tarihini ve tarafları (isimler ve "Şirket" veya "Şahıs" gibi yasal statüleri) tanımlar.
2. The Recitals: Usually starting with "WHEREAS", this section explains why the parties are entering into the contract (the background story). Genellikle "WHEREAS" (Haysiyetiyle/Mademki) ile başlayan bu bölüm, tarafların sözleşmeyi neden yaptıklarını (arka plan hikayesini) açıklar. It is not usually legally binding but helps interpretation. Genellikle yasal olarak bağlayıcı değildir ancak yorumlamaya yardımcı olur.
3. The Operative Provisions: The "heart" of the contract. It creates rights and duties (e.g., "The Seller agrees to sell...", "The Buyer shall pay..."). Haklar ve görevler oluşturur (örneğin, "Satıcı satmayı kabul eder...", "Alıcı ödeyecektir...").
4. Boilerplate: Standard administrative clauses usually found at the end (e.g., Severability, Governing Law, Force Majeure, Notices). Genellikle sonda bulunan standart idari maddeler (örneğin, Ayrılabilirlik, Uygulanacak Hukuk, Mücbir Sebep, Bildirimler).
5. The Testimonium & Signatures: The concluding sentence (e.g., "IN WITNESS WHEREOF...") and the signatures that make the contract binding. Sonuç cümlesi (örneğin, "Buna Tanıklık Edercesine...") ve sözleşmeyi bağlayıcı kılan imzalar.

PART B Interactive Exercises

Exercise 1: Contract Anatomy Match

Click an item on the right (Label), then click the empty box on the left (Contract Text) to match them.

Exercise 2: Deconstruct the Preamble

Follow the instructions below and click the correct text part in the box.

Target: Find the Date of Agreement

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made and entered into this 12th day of October, 2023, by and between Global Tech Solutions, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (hereinafter "Employer"), and John Smith, an individual residing at 123 Maple Street (hereinafter "Employee").

Step 1 of 3

Exercise 3: Recitals Analysis

"WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in the business of manufacturing automotive parts; and WHEREAS, the Consultant has expertise in supply chain management; and WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the Consultant to improve its logistics."

What is the main purpose of this contract based on the Recitals?

To sell automotive parts to the Consultant. To hire the Consultant as a full-time employee for manufacturing. To hire the Consultant to provide advice on logistics/supply chain. To form a partnership between the Company and the Consultant.

Exercise 4: Identifying Boilerplate Clauses

Select the correct legal title for each clause text.

"If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force."

Select Title... Severability Arbitration Integration

"This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements."

Select Title... Entire Agreement Assignment Notices

"This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California."

Select Title... Choice of Law Force Majeure Waiver

"Any dispute arising out of this Agreement shall be settled by the American Arbitration Association."

Select Title... Arbitration Severability Indemnity

Exercise 5: Drafting a Simple Clause

Complete the "Termination" clause using the words below.

breach written terminate thirty duties

"Termination: Either party may (1) this Agreement without cause by giving (2) (30) days prior (3) notice to the other party. In the event of a material (4) of any of the (5) or obligations under this contract, the non-breaching party may terminate immediately."

ANSWER KEY

• Ex 1: 1-B (Preamble), 2-D (Recitals), 3-E (Operative), 4-C (Boilerplate), 5-A (Testimonium).
• Ex 2: 1. "12th day...", 2. "Global Tech...", 3. "Employee"
• Ex 3: (c) To hire the Consultant to provide advice...
• Ex 4: 1. Severability, 2. Entire Agreement, 3. Choice of Law, 4. Arbitration.
• Ex 5: 1. terminate, 2. thirty, 3. written, 4. breach, 5. duties.

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