Boilerplate language is standardized text that can be used repeatedly in similar documents without needing to make major changes to the original. Businesses and professionals use such language for efficiency and to increase consistency in the structure, language, and content of written or digital documents. In contract law, boilerplate language helps ensure all necessary legal details are documented.
Key Takeaways
- Boilerplate language is the standardized text found in many documents including contracts.
- These passages are often part of a template that is personalized as needed.
- The term applies to reusable code in various software programs or web pages.
- Boilerplates save time and money but can also favor one party in contracts.
How Boilerplates Work
Boilerplate text is reused repeatedly without substantial changes to the original. It’s commonly used in online and written documents by corporations, legal firms, and medical facilities, among others.
Users can make slight changes to tailor the document for different purposes. For instance, a press release usually contains boilerplate language at the bottom with company or product information. This information can be updated for different situations before being shared publicly.
In software development, boilerplate code is created and reused. IT specialists need only rework some of the code to fit current needs without making major changes to the original structure.
Boilerplate provides users with a basic structure that can be adjusted to suit different needs.
History of Boilerplate
In the 19th century, a boilerplate was a steel slab template used in the construction of steam boilers. Editors later used the term to describe unoriginal work submitted for publication.
The legal profession adopted the term by the mid-1950s. Boilerplate language was seen as fine print designed to bury unpleasant agreement details.
Today, boilerplate clauses in contracts and other formal documents save time while protecting businesses from errors or legal mistakes. However, these standard texts are often not open to negotiation, leading many to sign boilerplate documents without fully understanding them. In legal terms, this type of boilerplate is known as an adhesion contract and may be set aside if deemed coercive or unfair.
Boilerplate Language in the Modern World
Boilerplate applies to a variety of settings today. In marketing and public relations, it refers to blocks of language in materials or press releases that rarely change. This text aims to express the company’s mission or portray it positively and is added to various publications, press releases, or web pages, including the “About Us” page on websites.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Boilerplate
Advantages:
- Time and Money Saver: Boilerplates eliminate the need to draft new documents or contracts, merely update existing templates to suit current purposes.
- Prevention of Mistakes: Vetted language ensures fewer errors, protecting against future legal problems.
- Consistency: Standard forms prevent deviations from one document to the next.
Disadvantages:
- Not Tailored: Boilerplates aren’t specifically tailored for every individual.
- Favors One Party: Often, contractual boilerplates contain language that favors the writer, relying on individuals to skip over sections.
Uses of Boilerplate Language
Banks, for instance, use a standard contract for all home loan applicants. Employees and applicants fill in the blanks or select checkboxes instead of creating entirely new documents for each applicant. These documents typically remain unchanged to prevent unfavorable terms caused by small text changes.
Similarly, fine print on many contracts—like cell phone contracts—remains static, listing fees, charges, and rules while permitting minor adjustments when necessary.
What Is a Boilerplate Statement?
A boilerplate statement is a standard pre-approved text businesses add to various documents. It is generic but can be slightly altered to fit specific purposes, as seen in email confirmations of online purchases or company announcements.
What Is a Boilerplate Project?
A boilerplate project is a standard template easily adaptable for creating new projects. For example, an eBay seller may create a store boilerplate with a basic design, ready to be filled with new text for each product.
What Is Boilerplate in a Press Release?
In press releases, boilerplate is often found at the bottom. This section briefly identifies and describes the issuing company and provides contact details for further information.
What Is a Boilerplate Clause in a Contract?
A boilerplate clause is a standard section of a contract outlining conditions for all parties. It may, for instance, describe how disputes will be resolved.
The Bottom Line
Boilerplates play a significant role in corporate, legal, and information technology sectors. These tools save time and money while ensuring approved standard text and documents can be used repeatedly. Though convenient, it’s crucial for recipients to read boilerplates carefully, as their standardization doesn’t diminish their importance.
Related Terms: standardization, fine print, adhesion contract, purchase agreements, marketing.
References
- Gianelli Nielsen. “The Fine Print: A Quick History of Boilerplate”.
