; provided, however

Question

I thought I knew how to use the semicolon. However, when I come across legal writing, I seem to encounter semicolons being used inappropriately. .
What is the deal with "; provided, however." It seems to be used in lieu of a dash. Or, there should be no semicolon, just a comma.

For example: Credit may be issued in any reasonable manner; provided, however, that such credit will appear where any other comparable credit appears and in a manner at least as prominent as such other comparable credit.
Is this another example of treating the semicolon as a "hard comma." Like when listing items with dates or companies?

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]I thought I knew how to use the semicolon. However, when I come across legal writing, I seem to encounter ... Is this another example of treating the semicolon as a "hard comma." Like when listing items with dates or companies?[/nq]
It's conventional. Legal language, like all jargons, has its own conventions. "Provided, however," is used to begin what is called a "proviso," which makes an exception to, or sets a condition on, what precedes it (as it does in your example). The semicolon before the proviso sets the proviso apart as a way of ensuring that it is read as an exception or condition, but by not starting a new sentence it also links the proviso to what went before, so you know that the exception or condition relates to.
It is frequently the case, as with your example, that a semicolon is preferred even if "provided" is omitted, which suggests that the semicolon before "provided" is consistent with standard punctuation anyway.

Bob Lieblich
No charge by me, no reliance by you

; provided, however

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