Quid Pro Quo Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Quid Pro Quo, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Quid Pro Quo?

(n) Quid Pro Quo is used to represent the reciprocal part of consideration or compensation a party is entitled by entering in to a deal, or by giving a consideration or by extending service etc. The Latin word ‘kwid proh kwoh’ means ‘something for something’ to represent the other part of the deal

History and Meaning of Quid Pro Quo

Quid Pro Quo is a Latin term that means "something for something." It has been used in legal and business contexts for centuries to describe a reciprocal exchange of services or goods. Quid pro quo is the foundation of contract law and is an essential concept in negotiations.

In the legal field, quid pro quo is often used to describe the exchange of favors, such as a judge giving a favorable ruling in exchange for a gift or money. In the business world, quid pro quo is often used to describe the exchange of services or products, such as a discount in exchange for a large order.

Examples of Quid Pro Quo

  1. A company offers a discount on a product if a customer signs up for a membership.
  2. An employee receives a raise in exchange for taking on additional responsibilities.
  3. A politician receives campaign donations in exchange for supporting a certain policy.
  4. A landlord agrees to make repairs on an apartment in exchange for the tenant renewing their lease.
  5. A company agrees to sponsor an event in exchange for advertising rights.

Legal Terms Similar to Quid Pro Quo

  1. Consideration: The exchange of something of value between parties in a contract.
  2. Bartering: The exchange of goods or services without the exchange of money.
  3. Reciprocity: The exchange of goods or services between two parties in a mutually beneficial relationship.