What does 'et al.' signify when used in legal contexts?

The term 'et al.' is derived from the Latin phrase 'et alia,' which translates to "and others." In legal contexts, it is commonly used to refer to multiple parties involved in a case or to include additional authors in a publication without listing all names. This shorthand is particularly useful in legal documents, allowing for clarity and brevity when multiple plaintiffs, defendants, or contributors are involved. By using 'et al.,' legal professionals can efficiently cite a case or reference a collaborative work without cumbersome repetition of all names, thus streamlining communication in legal writing.