Proper cause

The "proper cause" clause specifies that any action or decision by a party, such as termination of a contract, must be based on a legitimate and justifiable reason that is aligned with the terms agreed upon in the contract. This clause is intended to prevent arbitrary or unfair actions and ensure that both parties adhere to agreed standards and expectations.

5 Proper cause examples

  • Description
    3.4 Proper Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement for “proper cause,” without prior notice (except as otherwise specified in Sections 3.4(a) and 3.4(d), each requiring prior notice in accordance with Section 6.1 of this Agreement (“Notice”)). As used in this Agreement, “proper cause” shall be:
    Document
    BRIDGEWAY NATIONAL CORP.
  • Description
    Voluntary Termination and Termination for Proper Cause. If the Executive voluntarily terminates his employment under this Agreement during the Term other than for “good reason” under Section 3.5 hereof or the Company, with or without prior notice, terminates the Executive’s employment under this Agreement for “proper cause” under Section 3.4 hereof, and provided such termination constitutes a separation from service for purposes of Section 409A, all of the Executive’s rights and benefits, accrued or payable, present or future, under this Agreement including all rights and benefits under any fringe benefit plan or agreement ancillary to this Agreement, shall be immediately forfeited by the Executive. In such event, the Executive’s only rights and benefits shall be to receive base salary compensation accrued through the Termination Date, unpaid reimbursable expenses incurred for the benefit of the Company prior to the Termination Date, vested benefits or amounts under any savings or retirement plans (including excess benefit plans), deferred compensation arrangements or welfare benefit plans, and vested cash and equity amounts with respect to long-term incentive awards and other incentive awards granted to the Executive.
    Document
    BRIDGEWAY NATIONAL CORP.
  • Description
    Upon application of any shareholder or director, a court may remove from office any director in case of fraudulent or dishonest acts, or gross abuse of authority or discretion with reference to the Corporation, or for any other proper cause, and may bar from office any director so removed for a period prescribed by the court. The Corporation shall be made a party to the action and, as a prerequisite to the maintenance of an action under this Section 10.5, a shareholder shall comply with Section 1782 of the PaBCL.
    Document
    MID PENN BANCORP INC (MPB)
  • Description
    Subject to the conditions and limitations of any applicable supplement to the Plan, for purposes of this subsection 3.1, a termination of employment for “Proper Cause” shall include (but shall not be limited to) termination of employment for any willful or grossly negligent breach of the Participant’s duties as an employee of the Employer and termination for fraud, embezzlement or any other similar dishonest conduct, or for violation of Employer’s rules of conduct.
    Document
    TAPESTRY, INC. (TPR)
  • Description
    The Board of Directors may declare vacant the office of a Director who has been judicially declared of unsound mind or who has been convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term of more than one (1) year or for any other proper cause which these Bylaws may specify or if, within sixty (60) days or such other time as these Bylaws may specify after notice of his selection, he does not accept the office either in writing or by attending a meeting of the Board of Directors and fulfill such other requirements of qualification as these Bylaws may specify.
    Document
    ACNB CORP (ACNB)

What is Proper Cause?

“Proper cause” is a term often used in legal and contractual contexts, typically referring to a legitimate, legal reason for making a change, taking an action, or enforcing a condition within a contract. It serves as a safeguard to ensure that any actions taken under the contract are justified and adhere to the agreed-upon terms.

When should I use Proper Cause?

You should use “proper cause” when you need to justify an action or decision within the context of a legal agreement. It is commonly invoked in situations such as:

  • Terminating a contract before its completion.
  • Disputes regarding compliance with contract terms.
  • Modifying existing agreements or conditions.
  • Making decisions that could significantly impact the parties involved in the contract.

How do I write Proper Cause?

When drafting a clause regarding proper cause, clarity, specificity, and comprehensiveness are crucial. A well-written proper cause clause should:

  • Clearly define what constitutes a “proper cause.”
  • Specify procedures for determining whether a proper cause exists.
  • Outline the consequences or actions permitted if a proper cause is demonstrated.

Example of writing proper cause:

“In the event of a material breach by one party, the non-breaching party shall have proper cause to terminate this Agreement, provided that written notice of the breach is given and the breach is not cured within thirty (30) days of such notice.”

Which contracts typically contain Proper Cause?

Proper cause clauses are often found in contracts where ongoing performance is required and termination or modification of the contract could have significant consequences. Typical contracts include:

  • Employment contracts: Used to justify termination or disciplinary actions.
  • Lease agreements: Outlines conditions under which a lease may be terminated early.
  • Service agreements: Provides grounds for ending or altering the terms of service engagements.
  • Partnership agreements: Used to address breaches or changes in partnership dynamics.

By including a clearly defined proper cause clause, parties can ensure transparent and fair operations within their contractual relationship.

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