on or about
The phrase on or about is used in both civil and criminal law to indicate an approximate date or location. It provides flexibility when the precise time or place of an event is not essential to the legal issue, claim, or defense.
In civil practice, the phrase appears in pleadings, contracts, and other legal documents that describe events or obligations. When referring to a location, on or about means on, near, or in the general vicinity of the identified place. For example, a lease may assign liability for damage to property “on or about the leased premises.” When referring to a date, it means approximately at the stated time, allowing for a reasonable variance of several days. This approximation generally satisfies the notice pleading requirements unless the exact timing is a material fact, such as when a statute of limitations may apply.
In criminal law, on or about a certain date may be alleged when the exact date of an offense cannot be determined or is not an element of the crime. It is sufficient if the prosecution proves that the offense occurred reasonably near the date alleged within the statute of limitations.
[Last reviewed in October of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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