 Meaning of COMMON LATIN TERMS USED IN

LAW
Ab Initio : From the beginning

Ad hoc : For a particular purpose

Ad interim : Temporary

Ad valorem : In proportion to the value

Amicus Curiae : Friend of the Court

Apropos : To the purpose

De Jure : By right

De Novo : Anew, once more

Ejusdem generis : Of the same kind

Ex post facto : Having retroactive effect

Fait accompli : A thing already done ergo not worth arguing

Inter alia : Among other things

Ipso Facto : By the fact itself

Mesne profits : Profits derived by person in wrongful possession of

property

Mutatis Mutandis : With necessary changes in point of detail

Pari Passu : In equal proportion

Per se : By itself

Pro rata : Proportionate

Res Judicata : A matter already decided by judicial authority

Sine Qua non : Essential pre requisite

Sub judice : Before the court. Under judicial consideration

Sui Generis : Unique

Suo Moto : Of one’s own accord

Viva Voce : Oral examination