Without Predujice

[GlitteryPink]

When and why is it necesary to put this at the the top of a letter?

[andy-hughes]

If you are sending a letter the contents of which could potentially be used on a legal case. the 'without predjudice' moniker means just that - the contents cannot be used against you in court.

[Quizmonkey]

I think Andy means 'prejudice' :)

[andy-hughes]

I think I do!

[Katysparkle]

If you are complaining to a company this is an excellent thing to do as it looks as if you really mean business....I have used this on all letters and have always had a quick response!!!!!

[spacechimp]

Why don't we put this on everything that we write?

[BillyBB]

If you are settling an overdue account about which you have a dispute, this statement means that they cannot use the fact that you have paid against you in future arbitration.

[JudgeJ]

"Prejudice" literally means pre-judgement � judging an issue without being in possession of all the facts. In the context mentioned it means �Without Prejudice to the question of liability/blame/guilt� etc. As has been said, it is used when corresponding about matters under dispute. A couple of examples:

1. An insurance company may be corresponding with a Third Party who was involved in an accident. The blame for the accident may not have been established but it may be necessary to correspond in the meantime. They would head their letters �Without Prejudice� to indicate that the correspondence should not be used when deciding the the issue of blame.

2. (As BillyBB says) You may have a dispute with your energy supplier. They say you owe �200, you think it is only �150. You decide to pay the �150 whilst the matter is under investigation. (This is always a good course of action as it demonstrates goodwill on your part). You would state that your payment is made without prejudice to the dispute. This means the supplier cannot use the fact that you have paid part of what they say you owe in the argument over the disputed amount.

We don't put it on everything we write, spacechimp, because in circumstances other than those described it is unnecessary and meaningless.

[spacechimp]

Yeah, I checked on wikipedia and was disappointed. :(