What is the purpose of 'et seq' in legal documents?

The phrase "et seq" is an abbreviation of the Latin term "et sequentia," meaning "and the following." In legal documents, it is commonly used to refer to a section of text and all subsequent sections, allowing for a concise way to reference a range without having to list each component individually. This is particularly useful in lengthy statutes, regulations, or contracts, where the exact citation may involve multiple pages or clauses.

In contrast, the other options do not convey this meaning. The phrase “from the contract” does not capture the notion of referencing subsequent material, while “thereby, therefore” does not relate to ongoing sections within documents. "On the bench" refers to the physical presence of a judge or the legal profession contextually rather than indicating a continuation of text. Thus, the correct choice clearly reflects the purpose behind using "et seq" in legal writing.