Pro Tem

Definition

Short for 'pro tempore,' meaning 'for the time being'—a temporary appointment. Why a judge filling in temporarily gets to make decisions that affect you forever.

Example Usage

The judge pro tem presided over the small claims trial while the regular judge was on vacation.

Origin

From Latin 'pro' (for) and 'tempore' (the time)

Fun Fact

Pro tem appointments are common for busy courts, which is why temporary judges sometimes become permanent.

Source: Court rules vary by jurisdiction

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