The phrase refers to a clerical or typographical mistake in a written document. This type of error typically involves minor oversights such as misspellings, incorrect punctuation, or the accidental omission of words or figures. For example, a contract intended to state a price of $100,000 might erroneously read $10,000 due to a misplaced zero. Such discrepancies are usually obvious from the surrounding context and the clear intent of the document.
Correcting these mistakes is crucial because they can significantly alter the meaning and enforceability of legal and financial documents. Allowing these errors to stand unchallenged could lead to unintended legal consequences, financial losses, or disputes. Historically, legal systems have recognized the need to rectify such demonstrable errors, enabling courts to reform contracts or other documents to reflect the parties’ true intentions and agreements. This doctrine prevents the unjust enrichment of one party at the expense of another due to a simple, easily identifiable oversight.
