sine qua non

Definition

An essential condition or element, literally 'without which, not.' In causation analysis, it's the 'but for' test—but for this action, would the harm have occurred?

Example Usage

The prosecutor argued that the defendant's actions were the sine qua non of the victim's injuries.

Origin

Latin 'sine qua non,' meaning 'without which not'

Fun Fact

Sine qua non sounds fancy but it's just asking 'would this have happened anyway?' with a classical education.

Source: Tort law and causation analysis

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moot

A case that no longer presents an actual controversy requiring resolution, rendering it academic rather than actionable. When your lawsuit becomes hypothetical faster than you can say 'standing.'

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per curiam

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demurrer

A pleading asserting that even if all facts alleged are true, they don't constitute a valid legal claim. It's the legal equivalent of 'so what?'—conceding facts while denying their legal significance.

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caveat emptor

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autonomy

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