Quid Pro Quo
Literal meaning: “Something for something.”
What does the Latin term "Quid Pro Quo" mean in law?
Quid pro quo refers to an exchange in which one thing is given in return for another. In contract law, it is closely related to the concept of consideration — the bargained-for exchange that makes a promise enforceable. In employment and anti-discrimination law, quid pro quo harassment describes a situation in which a supervisor conditions a tangible job benefit (hiring, promotion, continued employment) on the employee's submission to unwelcome sexual advances. In bribery and corruption contexts, quid pro quo refers to the exchange of official action for something of value.
Source: Contracts · Legal Latin
Legal Definition
Quid pro quo refers to an exchange in which one thing is given in return for another. In contract law, it is closely related to the concept of consideration — the bargained-for exchange that makes a promise enforceable. In employment and anti-discrimination law, quid pro quo harassment describes a situation in which a supervisor conditions a tangible job benefit (hiring, promotion, continued employment) on the employee's submission to unwelcome sexual advances. In bribery and corruption contexts, quid pro quo refers to the exchange of official action for something of value.
How It's Used
Quid pro quo appears across multiple areas of law. In contracts, it describes the mutual exchange of value that supports an agreement. In employment law, it specifically describes a form of sexual harassment. In criminal law, it relates to bribery and corruption charges.
Example Sentences
The court found valid consideration because there was a quid pro quo: the buyer's payment in exchange for the seller's transfer of title.
The employee alleged quid pro quo harassment, claiming her supervisor conditioned a promotion on sexual favors.
The bribery prosecution required proof of an explicit quid pro quo between the official act and the payment.