Also known as: what so ever · whatever
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An intensifier placed after a noun or phrase to emphasize its unlimited or inclusive scope. It broadens the reach of the preceding term to encompass every possible instance or item without exception.
Wallace Webb executed a quitclaim deed transferring his interest in a parcel to Windham Technologies. The deed stated it conveyed whatever interest the grantor possessed. When a prior lien surfaced, the company could enforce only the interest Wallace actually held at the time of transfer.
Congress passed a statute regulating commerce among the states and with Indian tribes. The legislation asserted authority in all cases whatsoever over the specified subjects. A state challenged the reach, but the uniform national rule applied without geographic carve-outs.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
A federal officer accepted a title from a foreign prince. The constitutional bar applied to any present or emolument of any kind whatever from such a source. The acceptance triggered removal proceedings because the prohibition admitted no exceptions.
Wren Wright challenged a state law restricting marriage. The Court examined whether the Due Process Clause protected the claimed liberty in whatever form the state sought to limit it. The decision turned on whether the restriction deprived the claimants of a protected interest without sufficient justification.
Wendy Wu asserted an absolute right to end a pregnancy at any stage and for any reason whatsoever she chose. The Court rejected the claim that the right extended without qualification. State interests in health and potential life could justify regulation after a certain point in pregnancy.
Wayne Walker sued in federal court under diversity jurisdiction for injuries occurring in the forum state. The court applied the substantive law of that state in whatever respects the claim arose rather than general federal common law. The rule required use of state law for the claim regardless of any federal overlay.
It confirms that the deed transfers every interest the grantor holds, without any warranty or expansion of that interest. The grantee receives precisely the grantor's existing stake and nothing more.
No. It functions only as an intensifier that underscores the breadth already stated in the clause. The underlying power or prohibition remains defined by the rest of the provision.
Yes in most modern drafting, but its presence removes any doubt about inclusiveness. Courts treat the word as reinforcing rather than adding substantive content.
No. It appears in contemporary statutes, rules, and contracts whenever drafters seek to emphasize exhaustive coverage of a category.
…the Supreme Court can award the writ of mandamus in any case; (2) whether it will lie to a Secretary of State in any case whatever; and (3) whether in the present case the court may award a mandamus to James Madison, Secretary of State. The argument upon the first question was derived from the principles and practice…