Good faith, or in Latin bona fide, is the mental and moral state of honesty, conviction as to the truth or falsehood of a proposition or body of opinion, or as to the rectitude or depravity of a line of conduct. This concept is important in law, especially equitable matters.
In contemporary English, “bona fides” is sometimes used as a synonym for credentials, background, or documentation of a person’s identity] “Show me your bona fides” can mean: Why should I trust you (your good faith in this matter)? Tell me who you are. In this sense, the phrase is sometimes used in job advertisements, and should not be confused with the bona fide occupational qualifications or the employer’s good faith effort, as described below.
n. honest intent to act without taking an unfair advantage over another person or to fulfil a promise to act, even when some legal technicality is not fulfiled. The term is applied to all kinds of transactions.
The observance of honourable intent in business relations and the avoidance of any attempts to deceive in assuming and performing contractual obligations.
Good faith, or in Latin bona fide, is an individual’s belief that a social group has good goals, capabilities, principles, measures and integrity. One is said to be acting in good faith when his intentions and purported capabilities are consistent with faith that the group has greater efficiency and wisdom than its parts, including himself. An assumption of good faith is belief that another member intends to act in the best interests of the group and has the capability that he purports to do so.
In law, especially equitable matters, good faith is the mental and moral state of honesty, conviction as to the truth or falsehood of a proposition or body of opinion, or as to the rectitude or depravity of a line of conduct, even if the conviction is considered by the court to be unfounded.
In contemporary English, “bona fides” is sometimes used as a synonym for credentials, background, or documentation of a person’s identity. Show me your bona fides” means: Prove to me that you act in the best interests of the group. In this sense, the phrase is sometimes used in job advertisements and should not be confused with bona fide occupational qualifications or the employer’s good faith effort, as described below.
Good Faith and effort
U.S. Federal and state government are required to look for disabled, female, minority, and veteran business enterprises when bidding public jobs. An employer’s good faith effort is used as an evaluation tool by the jurisdiction during the annual programme review process to determine an employer’s level of commitment to the reduction goals of the CTR Law.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 11th April, 2024.
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