Glossary of Legal Terms

 A compilation by Gwynette E. Realo  Definition: It means "with even stronger

reason.
This document contains Latin derived
terminologies used in legal texts. Each term Example.: Inasmuch as an order to stay
has its corresponding definition and a proceedings does not operate to support the
sentence applying the terminology in the running of the statute of limitations, a
context of court decisions and resolutions.  fortiori the mere presenting of a petition of
the court below to direct the register of
deeds to furnish the court certain
information, as in this case, should not
operate to suspend the five-year limitation.
A (Buell vs. Buell, 92 Cal., 393)
(Felix Arambulo vs The Court of The First
Instance of Laguna and the Municipality of
Santa Rosa, Laguna, 1929)

1. Ad initio  4. Amicus Curiae 

Definition: It means "from the start," or Definition: Someone who volunteers

“from the beginning”.  information to the court.

Example : It should be noted that the Example .: In these certiorari and

purpose of the present action is to seek the
nullification of two deeds of sale of a parcel
of land covered by a homestead patent
which were executed within 5 years from
the issuance thereof, and following the
theory of appellants, the same are void ab
initio, or are non-existent in contemplation
of law (section 116 of Act No. 2874).
(Paulina Corpuz,et.al vs. Leopoldo Beltran,
et.al. 1955)
2. Ad valorem 
Definition:  Latin for "based on value," It
applies to property taxes/
Example.: The ad valorem tax shall be paid
by the brewer at the same time as the
specific tax.
(People of the Philippines vs.
Sandiganbayan fourth district and
Bienvenido A. Tan Jr. 2005)
3. A fortiori  1997)
mandamus proceedings the Philippine Alien
Property Administrator thru his attorneys
petitioned this Court to be allowed to
intervene as amicus curiae with permission
to file pleadings, adduce evidence, if
required, and to argue orally or by
memorandum.
(The Republic of the Philippines vs.
Bonifacio Y Sip, Judge of the Court of First
Instance of Bulacan and Baldamero Silverio
1951)
5. A quo  “From which”
Definition:  accordingly, the court a quo is
the court in which the matter was first
heard. 
Example: On June 2, 1960, the court a quo
issued an order of general default accepting
the Director of Lands and the Director of
Forestry. (G.R. No. 68166 February 12,
6. A Vinculo Matrimonii  quality, as he cannot prove he provided her
“From the bond of matrimony”
Definition: divorce a vinculo matrimonii is
also known as absolute or total divorce
dissolving a marriage and releasing the
parties completely from the matrimonial
obligations.
Example: A is the wife of B. B was married
earlier and had a wife C. A can file a suit for
divorce. Here the court will give a decree
after being satisfied with the evidence
produced for divorce a vinculo matrimonii
as this is a case of bigamy.
7. Accion Publiciana “Plenary action to
recover”
Definition: the plenary action to recover the
right of possession which should be brought
in the proper regional trial court when
dispossession has lasted for more than one
year. It is an ordinary civil proceeding to
determine the better right of possession of
realty independently of title.  arguendo that there were indeed hidden
Example: There is no allegation whatsoever
in the complaint for accion publiciana
concerning the assessed value of the
property involved. (G.R. No. 199133)
8. Aliunde  “Otherwise”
Definition: it means from another place or
outside source. It is often used to refer to
evidence given aliunde when meaning
cannot be derived from a document or
instrument itself.  doing. It is the opposite of mala fide - bad
Example: The husband is not liable for any
debt contracted by his wife after inhibition,
except for such furnishings suitable to her
in aliunde.
9. Animus Furandi “An intent to do
wrong”
Definition: often used in the context of theft
in reference to the intention to steal, or a
trespass with animus furandi. Older law
books are rife with references to animus
furandi as a necessary component of the
offence of larceny, and sometimes referred
to as the spirit of thieving.
Example: If a taxi-driver accepts counterfeit
money without knowing it was counterfeit,
he has no animus furandi.
10. Arguendo  “For the sake of argument”
Definition: used by lawyers in the context
of "assuming arguendo" that the facts were
as the other party contends, but the law
prevents the other side from prevailing.
Example: Third, it insisted that, assuming
defects, private respondent's complaint was
barred by prescription under Article 1571 of
the Civil Code, which provides for a six-
month prescriptive period. (G.R. No. 52267
January 24, 1996)
B
11. Bona Fide “Good faith”
Definition: in good faith, honestly, without
fraud, collusion or participation in wrong-
faith.  
Example: A person must not, without a
bona fide and reasonable justification deny
to a person or class of persons any
accommodation, service or facility
customarily available to the public.
 12. Bona Vacantia  Melki E. Perez, 2013)
- property that belongs to no person, and
which may be claimed by a finder
Definition: refers to those goods which do
not have an owner. The government usually
becomes its owner.
Example: Mr. Hunt said the trustees'
solicitors had told him that the pier would
now pass to the Treasury solicitor under a
system known as bona vacantia. The estate
appeared on the Bona Vacantia list of
unclaimed estates in the UK and its value is
currently unknown.
C
13. Certiorari   Example: The corpus delicti may be
Definition: Order from a higher court to the
lower court for review.
Example : It should be noted that
respondents’ petition for certiorari had long
become moot by the RTC’s January 11,
2011 Decision.
(Irene Villamar-Sandoval vs. Jose Calipan,
Maria Ofelia M. Gonzales, Laura J.
Cayabyab, Rogelio Costales and Fernando
V. Austria, 2013)
14. Compos mentis
Definition: Latin for "having a sound
mind.
Example.: Unless the wife has been
declared a non compos mentis or a
spendthrift, or is under civil interdiction or
is confined in a leprosarium, the husband
cannot alienate or encumber any real
property of the conjugal property without
the wife’s consent.
(David V. Pelayo and Loreza B. Pelayo vs.
15 . Corpus
Definition: It could mean body or the
principal of estate or interest.
 
Example: This is a petition for the
issuance of a writ of habeas corpus under
Rule 102 of the Rules of Court. 
(The Writ of Habeas Corpus for Reynaldo
de Villa ,June de Villa v. The Director,
New Bilibid Prisons, 2004)
 
16. Corpus Delicti 
Definition: Body of the crime.
proven by the credible testimony of a sole
witness, not necessarily by physical
evidence such as those aforementioned.
(Arturo G. Rimorin, Sr., v. People of the
Philippines 2003)
 
17. Corpus Juris 
Definition: The body of the law, the cases
and the interpretations.
Example: The rule is set forth in the
Corpus Juris Secundum in the following
language: As to existing causes of action, a
statute of limitations must afford a
reasonable time for the commencement of
an action before the bar takes effect.
(Casiano Saladas v. Franklin Baker
Company, 1960)
18. Caveat  “let him beware; a formal
warning”
Definition: nothing more than a caution and
an effective notice of a claim of title
grounded upon something else and
preventing any change in the rights of the
caveator by dealings with the land
subsequent to the lodging of the caveat.
Example: A caveat prevents any disposition
of his title by the registered proprietor in
derogation of the caveator's claim until that
claim has been satisfied or disposed of, but
the caveator's claim must stand or fall on its
own merits.  law, has no right or title to the office he
19. Ceteris Paribus “all things being equal
or unchanged”
Definition: the term is most widely used in
economic analysis when the analyst assumes
that all other variables except those under
immediate consideration are held constant.
Example: If an offender has committed a
severe enough offence to warrant a life
sentence, the offender will, ceteris paribus,
represent a greater threat to society than an
offender who received a non-life sentence.
20. Culpa Aquiliana
Definition:  There can be a quasi-delict as
long as there is fault or negligence resulting
in damage or injury to another. t is broader
in scope than crime
Example: Quasi-delict, known in Spanish
legal treatises as culpa aquiliana, is a civil
law concept while torts is an Anglo-
American or common law concept. (G.R.
No. 97336 February 19, 1993)
D
21. De Facto 
Definition: It means, "in fact." Often
used to show that the court will treat the
case as fact.
Example: An officer de facto is to be
distinguished from an officer de jure, and
is one who has the reputation or
appearance of being the officer he
assumes to be but who, in fact, under the
assumes to hold.
(Benito Codilla, et.al., v Jose L.
Martinez. Et., et.al., 1960)
 
22.  De Jure   
Definition: The latin term for "lawful," as
different from de facto or actual.
Example: It reiterated that when the law
would speak of possession in forcible entry
cases, it is prior physical possession or
possession de facto, as distinguished from
possession de Jure.
(Analecto C. Mangaser v. Dionisio Ugay,
2014)
23. De Minimis 
Definition: This refers to "of minimum
importance" or "trifling.
 
Example: Firstly, the losses expected
should be substantial and not merely de
minimis in extent.
(Alfredo A. Mendros, Jr, v. Mitsubishi
Motors Phils. Corporation 2009)
 
24. De Novo  deal with every matter of which law takes
Definition: Latin term for “new”. In this
case a restart of a trial.
 
Example:  A perfected appeal shall
operate to vacate the judgment of the
municipal court, and the action, when duly
entered in the Court of First Instance, shall
stand for trial de novo upon its merits in
accordance with the regular procedure in
that court, as though the same had never
been tried and had been originally there
commenced
(Jose Crisostomo v. The Director of
Prisons 1921)
25. Dictum 
Definition:  It is the remark of the judge in
a court decision.
Example: he first ground upon which the
opposition to the petition is based, namely,
that the holding of this Court that the
respondent Guillermo is not entitled to the
benefits of the amnesty proclamation, is
merely an obiter dictum, is without any
legal foundation, and must be dismissed.
(People of the Philippines v. Hone Higinio
Macadaeg, Hon, Potenciano Pecson, Hon.
Ramon San Jose as Chairman and
Members, respectively; of the Seventh
Guerrilla Amnesty Commission, and
Antonio Guillermo, as an interested party,
1952)
26. Delict
Definition: the act of a person, by fault or
maliciously, which harms or otherwise
causes damage to another.  Example: Under the rule of construction
Example: These countries have created a
hierarchy of temporal courts competent to
cognizance, and a penal code which
embraces and deals with all crimes or
delicts which the state recognizes as
offences.
 27. Domus Sua Cuique Est Tutissimum
Refugium  “Every man's house is his
refuge”
Definition: that the house of every one is to
him his castle and fortress as well as his
defence against injury and violence, as for
his repose.
Example: For a man's house is his castle, et
domus sua cuique est tutissimum refugium
(and each man's home is his safest refuge).
28. Donatio Mortis Causa 
Definition: made by a dying person, or
otherwise in contemplation of death, and
conditional thereon, with the intent that the
person receiving the gift shall have the thing
if death ensues.
Example: The donor of a donatio mortis
causa may revoke the gift at any time before
death. The gift is conditional until the donor
dies.
 
E
29. Ejusdem generis 
Definition: Latin term for the same kind.
 
known as "ejusdem generis", where
general words follow the enumeration of
particular classes of persons or things, the
general words will be construed as
applicable only to persons or things of the
same general nature or class as those
enumerated.
(The City of Manila, The Mayor of Manila,
The City Engineer of Manila. Fernando S.
Vinzons and Dominga Vinzons-Cu v. Juan
Entote, 1974)
 
30.  En banc 
Definition: The judges of the court
together hearing the oral arguments.
 
Example: The Court en banc is not an
Appellate Court to which decisions or
resolutions of a Division may be appealed.
(CIRCULAR NO. 2-89  En Banc 1989)
 
 
31. Ex parte 
Definition: It refers to the orders granted
for one party.
 
Example:  After the presentation of ex-
parte evidence, I was being charged by the
Acting Clerk of Court, Paul M.
Resurreccion to whom I paid the first
₱2,000.00 and I promised to pay the
balance of ₱3,000.00 on the following
day.  una or erunt animae duae in carne una is
(Frumencio E. Pulgar v. Paul M.
Resurreccion and Maricar M. Eugenio,
2014)
 
32. Ex Post Facto  of the Court to truncate the style of cause of
Definition: It means after the fact, which is
prohibited to be done by the court.
 
Example:  Accordingly, if these Orders
are to be considered the bases of charging
respondents for alleged offenses
committed, they become ex-post facto laws
which are proscribed by the Constitution.
(Orlando L. Salvador, v.  Placido L. Mapa,
Jr., Rafael A. Sison, Rolando M. Zosa,
Cesar C. Zalamea, Benjamin Barot,
Casimiro Tanedo, J.V. De Ocampo, Alicia
L. Reyes, Bienvenido R. Tantoco, Jr.,
Bienvenido R. Tantoco, Sr., Francis B.
Banes, Ernesto M. Caringal, Romeo V.
Jacinto, And Manuel D. Tanglao, 2007)
 
33. Ex Rel. 
Definition: abbreviation for Latin ex
relatione which means upon being related
or upon information.
Example: In Re JOAQUIN T.
BORROMEO, Ex Rel. Cebu City Chapter
of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
(A.M. No. 93-7-696-0,  1995)
34. Erunt animae duae in carne una
“Two souls in one flesh”
Definition: the semi medieval metaphysical
notion that the partners to a marriage are not
distinct individuals but a unified whole. 
Example: The common-law principle that a
wife cannot be produced either for or against
her husband, quia sunt duae animae in carne
gone.
35 Et. al. “ And others”
Definition: it is often used in the registries
litigation involving multiple litigants
Example: Lester Furr, et al., Plaintiffs v.
Paul W. Thomas, et al., Defendants. The
phrase et al. is defined as and others.
36. Ex Aequo Et Bono “ in justice and
fairness”
Definition: something to be decided ex
aequo et bono is something that is to be
decided by principles of what is fair and
just.  Example: My neighbor recently gave up his
Example: The arbitral tribunal shall decide
ex aequo et bono or as amiable compositeur
only if the parties have expressly authorized
it to do so.
 37. Ex Debito Justitiae  “as of right”
Definition: a matter ex debito justitiae is
one which a litigant is entitled merely upon
the asking for it; as opposed to something
which may be a matter of judicial discretion
or determination.
Example: Mr. A is entitled, ex debito
justitiae, to have the default judgment
registered against him set aside.
38. Ex Juris “outside of the jurisdiction”
Definition: means outside of the
jurisdiction, usually in terms of a court of
law and the exposure of a foreign litigant to
the grasp of that Court. 
Example: A corporation created and based
in Japan could be said to be ex juris of the
Canadian courts.
39. Ex Necessitate Rei “ from the necessity
of the thing”
Example: That such transfer of power from
the legislature to the Electoral Commission
was full, clear and complete, and carried
with it ex necessitate rei the implied power
inter alia to prescribe the rules and
regulations as to the time and manner of
filing protests. (G.R. No. L-45081        
July 15, 1936)
40 Ex Patriate
Definition: the name given to an individual
who has renounced his or her previous
citizenship.
American citizenship and became a
Canadian citizen; he is thus an ex patriate of
the United States of America. 
41. Ex Turpi Causa Non Oritur Actio “of
an illegal cause there can be no lawsuit”
Definition: if one is engaged in illegal
activity, one cannot sue another for damages
that arose out of that illegal activity.
Example: An injury suffered by a passenger
in a stolen car, which that passenger knew to
be stolen and was a free participant in the
joyriding. If a vehicle crashes injuring the
passenger, there may be no action in tort
against the driver under the ex turpi causa
non oritur actio principle.
 
H
 
42. Habeas corpus 
Definition: Latin term for “you have the
body” which allows the officials to let the
accused show up in court for hearing.
 Example: This is a petition for the
issuance of a writ of habeas corpus under
Rule 102 of the Rules of Court. 
(The Writ of Habeas Corpus for Reynaldo
de Villa ,June de Villa v. The Director,
New Bilibid Prisons, 2004)
 
 
   43.. Hereditas Jacens “an unclaimed
estate”
 
Definition: a term which describes an estate
which has not been claimed by any
beneficiary or administered by any person.
Example:  A slave owner might die and
while his estate remains unclaimed, damages
caused by the fault of the slave would be a
liability of the hereditas jacens.
44. Hostis Humani Generis “the enemy of
mankind”  Definition: It means “in these words”
Definition: in modern times, it is used to
refer to torturers.
Example: Pirates are often described as
hostis humani generias, as are terrorists.
 
I reproduced in haec verba, reads:
 
45. In extremis 
Definition: The Latin term for facing
imminent death.
Example: This act may be said to have
been done in extremis, and, even if
wrong, the sailing vessel is not
responsible for the result.
(G. Urrutia & Co.,, Vs. Baco River
Plantation Co., M. Garza, 1913 )
 
 
46. In forma pauperis  compliance with the periods provided by
Definition: It is the permission given to a
person not to pay for court fees.
 
Example: Acting on the petition to
litigate in forma pauperis, the Court of
First Instance issued an order on May 27,
1963, denying the same upon the ground
that the plaintiffs have regular
employment and sources of income and,
thus, can not be classified as poor or
paupers.
(Felipe Acar, Et Al., Vs. Hon. Inocencio
Rosal, In His Capacity As Executive
Judge, Court Of First Instance Of Negros
Oriental, 12th Judicial District. 1967) 
 
47. In haec verba 
which refers to the exact words given in
the court.
Example: On June 18, 1966, the Chief
Executive signed into law House Bill
1247, known as Republic Act 4790, now
in dispute. The body of the statute,
(Bara Lidasan, Petitioner, Vs.
Commission On Elections, 1967) 
48. In limine 
Definition: It is a motion before the trial
begins.
 
Example: Now, if we have deigned to
narrate the foregoing circumstances in
detail, it is but in obeisance to the
doctrinal precepts set out in limine, one of
which is that to warrant judicial
condonation of a litigant's belated
the rules or ordered by the court there
must be cogent reasons and equitable
considerations arguing in his favor.
(Socorro Abella Soriano, Vs Court Of
Appeals And Deogracias Reyes,1993) 
49. In pari delicto  52. In terrorem
Definition: The latin term for in equal
fault, which means two or more people
involved are equally at fault.
Example:  Under the pari delicto
doctrine, the parties to a controversy are
equally culpable or guilty, they shall have
no action against each other, and it shall
leave the parties where it finds them.
(Desiderio Ranara, Jr., Petitioner Vs.
Zacarias De Los Angeles, Jr.,
Respondent, 2016)  Honorable Sandiganbayan (Fifth
 
50. In personam 
Definition: It means a case directed
toward a specific person,
 
Example: Elumba further argues that the
action is one in personam and not in rem.
Therefore venue may be laid in the place
where plaintiff or defendant resides at the
option of plaintiff.
(G.R. No. L-49471993)
 
51. In Propria Persona 
Definition:  It means acting on one’s
behalf.
Example: Jose M. Aruego, the president
and counsel of University Publishing
Company, Inc., for the first time appeared
in propria persona before this Court as a
"member of the Philippine Bar, private  
citizen."
(Mariano A. Albert, Vs. The Court of
First Instance Of Manila (Br. Vi),
University Publishing Co., Inc., and Jose
M. Aruego, 1968)  most often in properties.
Definition: It means, in fear which gives
the notiom of being threatened or
something of the same kind.
Example: Criminal statutes have general
in terrorem effect resulting from their
very existence, and, if facial challenge is
allowed for this reason alone, the State
may well be prevented from enacting
laws against socially harmful conduct.
(Alfredo T. Romualdez, Vs. The
Division) And The People Of The
Philippines,2004) 
 
53. Indicia 
Definition: It means signs, which gives
the court the idea of probability on a
certain case.
 
Example:  In addition, it asserted that the
Tax Declarations attached to the
application merely provided an indicia of
possession, and not a conclusive proof of
ownership.
(Republic Of The Philippines, Vs. Martin
T. Ng, 2013)
54. Inter alia 
Definition: It means among other things,
usually found in legal pleadings.
 
Example: "The judge said, inter alia, that
the time to file the action had passed."
55. Inter vivos trust
Definition: It is a declaration of trust,
Example:On June 7, 1948, however,
Juana Juan executed a donation inter
vivos in favor of Emiliana Molo-Peckson
and Pilar Perez Nable of almost all of her
entire property leaving only about
P16,000.00 worth of property for the
devisees mentioned in the will
(Resurreccion De Leon, Et Al., Vs.
Emiliana Molo-Peckson, Et Al.,1962)
56. Ipse dixit 
Definition: It refers to the person who
said the statement himself.
Example: Thus, it is a shield against the
impetuosity of the judge, preventing him
from deciding by ipse dixit.
(People Of The Philippines,Vs. The
Sandiganbayan (Fourth Division) And
Geronimo Z. Velasco 2002)
57. Ipso facto  Example:  On cases involving statutes in
Definition:  Latin term for by the fact
itself.
Example:  Sec. 24. Candidate holding
elective office. Any elective provincial,
sub-provincial, city municipal, or
municipal district officer running for an
office other than the one which he is
holding in a permanent capacity shall be
considered ipso facto resigned from his
office from the moment of the filling of
his certificate of candidacy.
(PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1659
(Malacanang n.d.) )
58. Ignorantia Juris Non Excusa “
Ignorance of the law is no excuse” 
Definition: Ignorance of the law is no
defence as the maxim is firmly grounded in
criminal law and firmly excluded from the
realm of civil disputes.
Example: The maxim ignorantia juris non
excusat has no relevance to the case of a
man seeking to recover back money paid by
him in misapprehension of his legal rights.
 59. In Absentia  “In the absence of”
Definition: usually used in reference to
judgment or conviction against a person who
did not attend trial. 
Example: Although Nick did not attend
these proceedings, the courts determined
that Nick had proper notice and proceeded
in absentia (sic).
60. In Pari Materia “On the same subject
or matter : in a similar case”
that jurisdiction which are in pari materia
with ours, yields the rule that after a divorce
has been decreed. (G.R. No. 80116 June 30,
1989) 
61. In Rem 
Definition: related to the ownership of
property and not based on any personal
relationship, as is the case with in personam
rights
Example: A judgment for divorce on the
grounds of adultery between A and B makes
the issue of adultery res judicata. It is a
judgment in rem; that is to say one that is
good not only between the parties and their
privies, but good as against the world and
this is so because it is a judgment affecting
status.
62. In Toto  “as a total or whole”
Example: This is an appeal by certiorari
under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court seeking
to review and set aside the Decision1 of the
respondent Court of Appeals in CA-G.R.
CV No. 24256 which affirmed in toto the 16
October 1939 Decision of Branch 38
(Lingayen) of the Regional Trial Court
(RTC) of Pangasinan in Civil Case No.
16503. (G.R. No. 97336 February 19, 1993)
63. Ipso jure “ by operation of law”
Example: The act and warrant of
confirmation in favour of the trustee shall
ipso jure transfer to and vest in him or any
succeeding trustee, for behoof of the
creditors, absolutely and irredeemably as at
the date of the sequestration, with all right,
title, and interest, the whole property of the
debtor.
J  Philippines, 2006)
64. Jurisdiction
Definition: the authority of a court or
official organization to make decisions and
judgments  itself.
Example: And as established by judge made
doctrine, the Court will assume jurisdiction
over a constitutional question only if it is
shown that the essential requisites of a
judicial inquiry into such a question are first
satisfied (G.R. No. 78742 July 14, 1989)
65. Jurisprudence
Definition: Case law, or the legal decisions
which have developed and which
accompany statutes in applying the law
against situations of fact
Example: The limitation is found in the
constitutional injunction that "private
property shall not be taken for public use
without just compensation" and in the
abundant jurisprudence that has evolved
from the interpretation of this principle.
(G.R. No. 78742 July 14, 1989)
 
M
66. Mala in se 
Definition: It is regarded as evil or
criminal itself.
 
Example: Generally, mala in se felonies
are defined and penalized in the Revised
Penal Code. When the acts complained of
are inherently immoral, they are deemed
mala in se, even if they are punished by a
special law.
(Arsenia B. Garcia, Vs.Hon. Court Of
Appeals And The People Of The
 
67. Malum in se 
Definition: It means the act is wrong in
Example: murder, rape, burglary and
robbery are malum in se, while violations
of the Securities and Exchange Act or
most "white collar crimes" are malum
prohibitum.
 
68. Mandamus – "we Order" 
Definition: A writ of mandate ordering a
government body for action.
 
Example: The Supreme Court having
heretofore adopted the practice of
allowing its clerk to issue an order to
 show cause in every application for
mandamus, without first presenting the
same to the court or to some member
thereof, Justices McDonough and
Johnson, being informed of such practice
in the above-entitled cause, opposed said
practice in the following opinion:
(Francisco Garcia, ,Vs. John C.
Sweeney, Judge Of The Court Of First
Instance Of Manila,1904)  Vice-President of the Republic of the
 
 
69. Mens Rea 
Definition: The "guilty mind" necessary to
establish criminal responsibility
 
Example: The secretary was proven to
have mens rea based on the investigation. 
70. Modus Operandi  “Method of
procedure”
Definition: a distinct pattern or method of
operation that indicates or suggests the work
of a single criminal in more than one crime
Example: In their Answer with
Counterclaim, 20 petitioners insisted that
respondent was involved in a scheme of
selling expired and bad order drugs which
he was supposed to destroy; that
respondent's modus operandi became the
subject of three preliminary surveillance
conducted by the NBI.
71. Mutatis Mutandis “Things having been
changed that have to be changed”  Pedro Urea And Albino Sarmiento,
Definition: the necessary changes having
been made.
Example: For the above-quoted reason,
which are fully applicable to the petition at
bar, mutatis mutandis, there can be no
question that President Corazon C. Aquino
and Vice-President Salvador H. Laurel is the
incumbent and legitimate President and
Philippines. (G.R. No. 76180 October 24,
1986)
N
72. Nisi prius 
Definition: Latin term for unless first.
 
Example: The decision of the nisi prius
court is final, unless the right of appeal is
given by statute. The legislature may
provide that the judgments of the nisi
prius courts shall be final. 
(Antonio De La Cruz, Vs. Santiago
Garcia, 1905)
 
 
73. Nolle prosequi 
Definition: The term for we shall no
longer prosecute a decision made by the
judge.
 
Example: This jurisdiction provincial
fiscals are not clothed with power,
without the content of court, to dismiss or
dicit nolle prosequi criminal actions
actually instituted, and pending further
proceedings. 
(The United States, Vs. Pedro Barredo,
1915) 
74. . Nolo contendere   Example: The trial was interrupted due to
the lack of evidence and jury to help the
Definition: It is the plea of no contest. process and eventually proclaimed nunc
pro tunc. 
Example: An entity charged in a criminal   
proceeding pursuant to Section 14(a) and P
14(b) of this Act may enter a plea of Nolo
Contendere, in which he does not accept 78.. Per curiam 
nor deny responsibility for the charges but
agrees to accept punishment as if he had
pleaded guilty.  Definition: Latin for "by the court,"
(REPUBLIC ACT No. 10667, Congress
2014) 
  Example: The charges against the
  respondent was given and finalized per
75.  Non compos mentis  curiam.

Definition: Referring to someone who is 79. Prima facie 

insane or not mentally competent to
conduct one’s affairs. Definition: The term which means at first
  look. It refers to cases having sufficient
Example: The suspect was found non evidence.
compos mentis by the court and has
undergone different processes.  Example: Prima facie evidence is defined
  as: Evidence good and sufficient on its
76.  Non sequitur  face.
(Robert P. Wa-Acon, Vs. People Of The
Definition: Latin for "it does not follow." Philippines, 2006)
    
Example: The evidence presented during  
the trial was declared non sequitur by the
court.  80. Parens Patriae
 
77. Nunc pro tunc Definition: literally, father of the country.
Refers to the inherent jurisdiction of the
Definition: Latin for "now for then," this courts to make decisions concerning
refers to changing back to an earlier date of people who are not able to take care of
an order, judgment or filing of a document. themselves 
Such a retroactive re-dating requires a
court order which can be obtained by a Example:  It is significant that while the
showing that the earlier date would have State, as parens patriae, was added and
been legal, and there was error, accidental vested by the 1985 Rules of Criminal
omission or neglect which has caused a Procedure with the power to initiate the
problem or inconvenience which can be criminal action for a deceased or
cured. Often the judge will grant the nunc incapacitated victim in the aforesaid
  offenses. (G.R. No. 80116 June 30, 1989)
81.  Per Capita  “by the head”  day to six years, except when suspension is
Definition: the proposed distribution of an
estate of property to surviving specified
beneficiaries only and not, in the event of
pre-death of a beneficiary, to the heirs of the
predeceased beneficiary.
 
Example: In a per capita distribution, the
estate is limited as to its course down
through heirs.
82. Per centum “percent”  prevent him from performing such act.
Definition: a proportion in relation to a
whole (which is usually the amount per
hundred). 
Example: The fixed consideration for the
use of ricelands, shall not be more than the
equivalent of twenty-five per centum in case
of first class land and twenty per centum in
case of second class land of the average
gross produce, after deducting the same
amount of palay used as seed and the cost of
harvesting and threshing of the past three
normal harvest. (G.R. No. L-32362
September 19, 1973)
83. Per se   “by or of itself”
Example: The existing rule is that a breach
of promise to marry per se is not an
actionable wrong. (G.R. No. 97336 February
19, 1993)
84. Prisión correccional “suspension and
destierro”  86. Quid pro quo
Definition: the duration of the penalties of
prision correccional, suspension and
destierro shall be from six months and one
imposed as an accessory penalty, in which
case, its duration shall be that of the
principal penalty.
 
Example: The penalty of prision
correccional in its medium and maximum
degrees and a fine of not less than six
hundred and twenty-five and not more than
six thousand two hundred and fifty pesetas
shall be imposed upon any person who, by
means of threats, violence, or other
equivalent compulsion, shall force some
other person to perform an act of worship or
(Article 223 of the Penal Code )
 
85. Pro Forma “ as a matter of form” 
Definition: made or carried out in a
perfunctory manner or as a formality.
 Example: On December 15, 1975, she filed
a petition to reconsider 10 the aforesaid
decision. Acting upon the petition, the
respondent Judge issued an order, dated
January 23, 1976, ordering the petitioner's
petition "stricken off" from the record for
being pro forma, which order was received
by petitioner Carmelita Acosta Ofalia on
January 26, 1976. (G.R. No. L-42648
September 30, 1978)
 
Q
 
 
Definition: Latin for "something for
something,"
 Definition:  Latin term for "having
Example: As a quid pro quo, however, knowledge.".
DBP required and secured the issuance by  
PMCI of six (6) postdated checks in the Example: Scienter can not be presumed
total amount of P3,000,000.00.  in this case because of the failure of the
(Polystyrene Manufacturing Company, prosecution to prove that the proscribed
Inc. Vs. Privatization And Management drug was "sold and delivered".
Office, 2007)  (People Of The Philippines ,Vs. Teresita
  Andrada Y Doria 1993) 
R

87. Res ipsa loquitur  90. Sine qua non

Definition: Latin for "the thing speaks for Definition:  Latin for "without which it
itself.” could not be," which is an indispensable
condition.
Example: As a rule of evidence, the  
doctrine of res ipsa loquitur is peculiar to Example: As unlawful aggression is a sine
the law of negligence which recognizes qua non requirement for appreciating the
that prima facie negligence.  plea of self-defense, the CA ruled that
(Malayan Insurance Co., Inc. Vs. Rodelio "absent unlawful aggression, there is no
Alberto And Enrico Alberto Reyes, 2012)  self-defense to speak of" (Sombol v.
  People of the Philippines, 2013). 
   
88. Res judicata 91. Subpena duces tecum 

Definition: It means that the issue of the Definition: An order from the court to face
court has already been done by another the hearing and bring documents.
court.  
Example: A certain senator received
Example: The CA held that res judicata Subpena duces tecum from the court
and splitting of a single cause of action regarding the malicious rent fee of from
were not committed based on the following one of his own establishment. 
reasons
(Riviera Golf Club, Inc., Vs. Cca Holdings,
B.V.,2015)  92. Sua Sponte “of one's own accord;
  voluntarily”
 
Definition: used to indicate that a court has
   taken notice of an issue on its own motion
S without prompting or suggestion from either
party.
 
89 . Scienter  Example: We need only state that the court
may raise the issue of primary jurisdiction
sua sponte and its invocation cannot be
waived by the failure of the parties to argue
it. (G.R. No. 148106)
93. Sub judice. “Under a judge.”
Definition: A case that is before the bar for
determination, rather than one being settled
out of court.
Example: Marantan submits that the
respondents violated the sub judice rule,
Remittitur • Sub judice 9 making them liable
for indirect contempt under Section 3(d) of
Rule 71 of the Rules of Court, for their
contemptuous statements and improper
conduct tending directly or indirectly to
impede, obstruct or degrade the
administration of justice (Marantan v.
Diokno and La’o, 2014)
94. Sui juris. “Of one’s own right.” 
Definition:  Used to describe one who is no
longer a dependent; having reached majority
and having full civil and social rights.  Definition: Marking reference to a passage
Example: The petitioner not being a person
sui juris and being under a disability of law
and of fact, in that he is under the control of
his father, cannot renounce his Philippine
citizenship (Haw v. The Insular Collector of
Customs, 1934).  protect them (Barretto v. Philippine
95. Sub silentio. “Under the silence.” 
Definition:  Without being taken. If a case is
decided against precedent, the newer case is
said to have over-ruled the previous decision
sub silentio.  contract, or the like. The word also means
Example: Chief Justice Marshall met that
suggestion by saying: "No question was
made in that case as to the jurisdiction. It
passed sub silentio, and the court does not
consider itself as bound by that case
(McGirr v. Hamilton and Abreu, 1915). 
96. Uberrima fides.  “The most abundant
good faith.” 
Definition: Absolute and perfect candor
openness and honesty; the absence of any
concealment or deception, however slight. A
phrase used to express the perfect good
faith, concealing nothing, with which a
contract must be made. 
Example: As an insurance contract is a
contract uberrima fides, it claims that it has
every right to rely on Alvarez's good faith in
its dealing with him (The Insular Assurance
Co., Ltd. v. The heirs of Alvarez, 2018).
97.  Ubi supra.  “Where above
mentioned.” 
or page. 
Example: It is further to be noticed that the
language of Chief Justice Shaw in Barrows
vs. Bell, ubi supra, clearly implies that the
privilege claimed by the defendants does not
Publishing Co., 1915). 
98. Ultimatum.  “The last.” 
Definition: The final and ultimate
proposition made in negotiating a treaty, a
the result of a negotiation, and it comprises
the final determination of a party concerned
in the matter in dispute.
Example: On October 25, 1970, after its
ultimatum letter of October 12, 1970 for
union recognition had been unheeded by
respondent, the union declared a strike and
picketed the company premises (Rustan
Supervisory Union et al. v. Dalisay and
Rustan Pulp and Paper Mills, Inc., 1971). 
99.  Ultra vires. “In excess of or outside of
powers.”
Definition: That which is beyond a
corporation’s or agency’s authorized power.
A corporation’s ultra vires Sui juris • Ultra
vires 10 activity may lead to its forfeiting its
charter of incorporation. 
Example: Petitioner argues that the
execution of the mortgage contract was ultra
vires (University of Mindanao, Inc. v.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas et al., 2016). 
100. Viz. “that is to say” 
Definition: used, especially in written
English, when you want to give more detail
or be more exact about something you have
just written.
Example: The central idea of the text viz.
that crime rates are 60% higher than last
year.
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