Mutatis mutandis
with the necessary modifications
Mutatis mutandis is a Latin expression denoting that a legal rule or provision applies to a comparable situation with the necessary modifications.
Mutatis mutandis is a Latin term that literally means “with the things that are to be changed.” In Dutch law, the expression is used to indicate that a statutory provision, contractual clause or judicial decision applies by analogy, subject to such adaptations as may be necessary.
The term enhances the efficiency of legal practice. Practitioners need not restate or modify the full text on each occasion, but may instead refer to an existing provision that is to apply mutatis mutandis.
In practice, the term frequently appears in contracts, legislation and procedural documents when provisions from an earlier regulation or agreement are declared to apply mutatis mutandis to a new situation, for example in connection with the transfer of rights or the extension of a regime to another area of law.
“The liability provisions of Article 12 apply mutatis mutandis to the new agreement.”
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