Latin Phrases in Law and Scholarship

Read and pronounce the Latin phrases and abbreviations that appear in academic and legal texts.

Some Latin entered English as whole phrases, and academic and legal texts still use them. De facto means 'in fact' or in practice; de jure means 'by law. ' Ad hoc means 'for this' purpose, arranged for one situation. Bona fide means 'in good faith,' so genuine. Per se means 'by itself' or intrinsically. Status quo means 'the state in which,' the existing situation. Pro bono, short for pro bono publico, means 'for the public good,' describing unpaid professional work. Abbreviations matter too: i. e. (id est) means 'that is' and introduces a restatement; e. g.

(exempli gratia) means 'for example' and introduces examples; et al. (et alii) means 'and others. ' Worked example: 'English became the de facto language of the meeting, though the de jure official languages were three. ' In practice, everyone used English; legally, three languages had official status. Confusing i. e. and e. g. is a common error, so check which one you mean.

• 1De facto: in practice; de jure: by law.
• 2Ad hoc, bona fide, per se, status quo, pro bono are common.
• 3I.e. restates; e.g. gives examples.