As word in ordinary expression, one word in English legal documents may also have different meanings. But a certain word should only have one specific meaning in special context. Such as the word “good”, it has various meanings in legal document. “A good contract” means 有效合同; “goodwill” means 商誉 instead of 善意. Following are more examples:

Neglect of duty is good cause for removal of a trustee.

理事玩忽职守,理应解除其职务。

“Good cause” means legally sufficient reason.

The Vendor shall procure that the Purchaser acquires good title to the Shares free from all charges, liens, encumbrances, equities and claims whatsoever.

卖方应保证买方获得不容置疑的股份所有权,且该等股份不带任何押记、留置、负担、权益和主张。

“Good title” indicates title that is legally valid and effective.

Now therefore, in consideration of the premises, and the representations, warranties, covenants, and undertakings of the parties hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree among themselves as follows.

鉴于上述事实和各方在下文所作的陈述、保证、立约和承诺,及其他有效的有价约因,现各方达成协议如下。

“Good consideration” is equal for consideration that is valid under the law. Sometimes, good consideration also means valuable consideration.

Read Also: Ellipsis and Repetition in E-C Legal Translation

If any term or provision of this Agreement shall become or be declared illegal, invalid or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, such term or provision shall be severed from this Agreement shall be deemed to be deleted from this Agreement; provided that if such deletion materially affects or alters the basis of this Agreement, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to amend and modify the provisions and terms of this Agreement as may be necessary or desirable in the circumstances.

如果因任何原因本协议的任一条款或规定变成或被宣布为不合法、无效或不可执行,该条款或规定须与本协议分离,且被视为从本协议中删除,但如果删除该条款或规定会实质性影响或改变本协议的基础,双方应以诚信的态度进行谈判,以期在必要或可取的情况下对本协议的规定和条款进行修改和变更。

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“good faith” means honesty, fairness and lawfulness of purpose.

Therefore, the key point is to understand the exact meaning of that word in certain context. In this way, it is reasonable to choose a suitable Chinese word or phrase in translation.

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