In UK law, “pro tanto” refers to a legal principle indicating partial payment or partial performance of an obligation. It signifies that a payment or action has been made to fulfil a portion of a debt or obligation, but not the entire amount owed. This term is often used in contract law to acknowledge partial satisfaction of a contractual obligation. For example, if a debtor makes a partial payment towards a debt, the creditor may accept it “pro tanto,” meaning it satisfies only a portion of the total amount owed, without waiving the right to collect the remaining balance. In this context, “pro tanto” serves to clarify the extent to which the payment or performance applies to the overall obligation, preserving the parties’ rights and obligations under the contract.
(proh tahn-toe) Latin for “only to that extent.” Example: a judge gives an order for payments for one year, pro tanto.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
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