Also known as:et al · et alii · et alia · et alios · and others
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An abbreviation for additional unnamed parties or persons in legal captions, citations, and documents.
Sources & Authorities· 13 primary sources
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Statutes
Uniform Acts
Model Codes
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Foreclosure Caption Lists Parties
Eastern Electric held the note on property owned by Evelyn Ellison. Eastern Electric filed a foreclosure action naming Evelyn Ellison et al. as defendants to ensure all junior interests received notice. The court required joinder of necessary parties before the sale could extinguish subordinate liens.
Landlord Liability to Tenant Group
Emerald Enterprises leased space to Eugene Ellsworth. Emerald Enterprises concealed a known structural hazard and was held liable to Eugene Ellsworth et al. for resulting injuries after the tenants took possession without knowledge of the risk.
Elena Estrada used a path across neighboring land for the statutory period. The court held that the prescriptive easement accrued to Elena Estrada et al. who held interests in the dominant parcel.
Supplier Liability for Dangerous Chattel
Elemental Pharmaceuticals supplied a chemical to Emanuel Escobar knowing his inexperience. Elemental Pharmaceuticals faced liability to Emanuel Escobar et al. who were endangered by improper use of the chattel.
Personal Representative Breach Claim
Enzo Eastwood served as personal representative of an estate. Enzo Eastwood was sued by Elijah Edwards et al. for losses caused by improper exercise of estate powers.
Landlord Repair Obligation
Everlasting Insurance owned a building leased to multiple tenants. Everlasting Insurance was held liable to the tenants et al. for injuries from unrepaired conditions after promising repairs in the lease.
Common questions
Frequently Asked
3
What does et al. signify in a case caption?+
It indicates additional unnamed parties beyond those explicitly listed.
When should et al. be used instead of listing every party?+
It is used when additional persons share the same legal interest and full enumeration would be cumbersome.
Does et al. affect notice requirements in foreclosure?+
No. All necessary parties must still receive actual notice even when et al. appears in the caption.
5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803)Property
…have a remedy, and every injury its proper redress. There are some injuries which can only be redressed by a writ of mandamus and others by a writ of prohibition. There must then be a jurisdiction somewhere competent to issue that kind of process; where are we to look for it but in that court which the Constitution and laws…