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                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1


                        [COOLEY GODWARD LLP LETTERHEAD]


January 8, 1998


Verity, Inc.
894 Ross Drive
Sunnyvale, California 94089

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     You have requested our opinion with respect to certain matters in
connection with the filing by Verity, Inc. (the "Company") of a Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") with the Securities and
Exchange Commission covering the offering of up to 460,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock, $.001 par value, (the "Shares") pursuant to its 1996
Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (the "Plan").

     In connection with this opinion, we have examined the Registration
Statement and related Prospectus, your Certificate of Incorporation and
By-laws, as amended, and such other documents, records, certificates, memoranda
and other instruments as we deem necessary as a basis for this opinion. We have
assumed the genuineness and authenticity of all documents submitted to us as
originals, the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as
copies thereof, and the due execution and delivery of all documents where due
execution and delivery are a prerequisite to the effectiveness thereof.

     On the basis of the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, we are of the
opinion that the Shares, when sold and issued in accordance with the Plan, the
Registration Statement and related Prospectus, will be validly issued, fully
paid, and nonassessable (except as to shares issued pursuant to certain
deferred payment arrangements, which will be fully paid and nonassessable when
such deferred payments are made in full).

     We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement. 

Very truly yours,

Cooley Godward LLP

By: /s/ Timothy J. Moore
    --------------------
    Timothy J. Moore