The Law Dictionary

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FACE Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & Citations:

The face of an instrument is that which is shown by the mere language employed,without any explanation, modification, or addition from extrinsic facts or evidence.Thus, if the express terms of the paper disclose a fatal legal defect, it is said tobe “void on its face.”Regarded as an evidence of debt, the face of an instrument is the principal sumwhich it expresses to be due or payable, without any additions in the way of interest orcosts. Thus, the expression “the face of a judgment” means the sum for which thejudgment was rendered, excluding the interest accrued thereon. Osgood v. Bringolf, 32Iowa, 265.

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