Bona Fide
Literal meaning: “In good faith.”
What does the Latin term "Bona Fide" mean in law?
Bona fide means genuine, sincere, or made in good faith without intent to deceive. In legal contexts, it describes actions, claims, or statuses that are authentic and not fraudulent. A bona fide purchaser for value (BFP) is one who acquires property in good faith, for valuable consideration, and without notice of any defect in the seller's title — such a purchaser generally takes the property free of prior claims. In employment law, a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) is a characteristic that is reasonably necessary for the normal operation of a business and may lawfully be used as a criterion for hiring even if it would otherwise constitute discrimination.
Source: General · Legal Latin
Legal Definition
Bona fide means genuine, sincere, or made in good faith without intent to deceive. In legal contexts, it describes actions, claims, or statuses that are authentic and not fraudulent. A bona fide purchaser for value (BFP) is one who acquires property in good faith, for valuable consideration, and without notice of any defect in the seller's title — such a purchaser generally takes the property free of prior claims. In employment law, a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) is a characteristic that is reasonably necessary for the normal operation of a business and may lawfully be used as a criterion for hiring even if it would otherwise constitute discrimination.
How It's Used
Bona fide appears across many areas of law — property, contracts, employment, and immigration. It describes authenticity and good faith. Key legal compounds include bona fide purchaser, bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ), and bona fide error defense.
Example Sentences
The defendant claimed to be a bona fide purchaser for value who had no notice of the prior lien on the property.
The employer established that being female was a bona fide occupational qualification for the position of attendant in a women's correctional facility.
The court examined whether the marriage was bona fide or entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits.