Without recourse is a phrase meaning that one party has no legal claim against another party. It is often used in two contexts:
- In litigation, someone without recourse against another party cannot sue that party, or at least cannot obtain adequate relief even if a lawsuit moves forward. Someone completely without recourse cannot sue anyone for an alleged injury, or cannot obtain any relief even if lawsuits are filed.
- In financial transactions, without recourse disclaims any liability to the subsequent holder of a financial instrument. Thus, endorsing a check and adding without recourse to the signature means that the endorser takes no responsibility if the check bounces for insufficient funds.
[Last updated in July of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]