Per Se

Definition

By its very nature, without needing additional proof or surrounding context. Something that is per se illegal is illegal on its face. It is the legal equivalent of 'no, really, this one speaks for itself.'

Example Usage

Driving at twice the posted limit is negligent per se, so the plaintiff did not need an expert.

Origin

Latin, meaning 'by itself' or 'in itself.'

Source: Common legal Latin

Related Terms

Advanced

amici

Short for 'amici curiae' or 'friends of the court,' these are non-parties who submit briefs to educate judges on issues they might otherwise misunderstand. Think of them as legal kibitzers with credentials. Organizations love filing these to influence landmark cases without actually being sued, making them the ultimate courtroom sideline commentators.

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

reintegration

The bureaucratic rebrand of 'getting your life back together after society kicked you out'—a legal and social term for rejoining the general population after serving time, exile, or other institutional punishment. Sounds hopeful; often involves learning how to use new phone technology.

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

prima facie

Evidence sufficient to establish a fact unless contradicted—basically, enough proof that things look bad for one side unless they can explain themselves. It's the legal standard for 'yeah, this definitely seems sketchy.'

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

arraignment

The criminal defendant's first formal court appearance where charges are read, rights are explained, and pleas are entered. It's basically the legal system's version of 'we need to talk,' except it happens in front of a judge and gets recorded. This is when you find out exactly what the government thinks you did wrong and how much trouble you're actually in.

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

trustees

The responsible adults who legally babysit someone else's money, property, or estate because the actual owner either can't, won't, or is no longer around to manage it themselves. They're like financial guardians with actual legal obligations and fiduciary duties, not just good intentions. Mess it up, and you're not just a bad friend—you're facing lawsuits.

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

statutory

The adjective meaning something is created by, defined by, or regulated by statutes—aka laws passed by legislatures rather than judge-made common law. When something is statutory, it's written down in the books and you can actually point to it. The opposite of those vague "because that's how we've always done it" legal principles.

⚖️ Legal

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