strictly without prejudice

Ginger83

Hi all

Can anyone explain to me what strictly without prejudice would mean on a solicitors letter?

It would be in the context of someone being accused (falsely) of defamation. I have often heard the phrase without prejudice but never strictly

GeorgeOrwell

The best way to think of it is that it means that neither party can rely on what is said in the letter in any future proceedings or negotiations.

The word "strictly" doesn't have any magic additional meaning. It's simply the solicitor drawing your attention to the fact that it's not to be relied on if the case develops.

Lenar3556

GeorgeOrwell wrote: »

The best way to think of it is that it means that neither party can rely on what is said in the letter in any future proceedings or negotiations.

The word "strictly" doesn't have any magic additional meaning. It's simply the solicitor drawing your attention to the fact that it's not to be relied on if the case develops.

And I suppose it’s significant that the author may only rely on such a caveat where the letter is aimed squarely at reaching agreement so as to avoid litigation.

It’s not a catch all that can be installed at the top of all correspondence.

GeorgeOrwell

Lenar3556 wrote: »

It’s not a catch all that can be installed at the top of all correspondence.

Yeah, I think sometimes even some solicitors think it's a magic form of words which makes the letter disappear.