Legal Definitions - ad finem

ad finem

The Latin phrase ad finem translates literally to "to the end." In legal writing and academic citations, it is used as a signal to indicate that a reference extends to the conclusion of a document, section, or a specified range of pages.

• Example 1: Referring to an entire section of a legal document

  A lawyer might write in a brief, "The plaintiff's argument regarding the statute of limitations, discussed in the trial court's memorandum opinion at pages 7 ad finem, was ultimately rejected by the appellate court."

  Explanation: Here, "pages 7 ad finem" means that the discussion of the statute of limitations begins on page 7 of the memorandum opinion and continues through to the end of that specific discussion or even the end of the document itself, depending on context, ensuring the reader reviews the complete analysis.

• Example 2: Citing a comprehensive discussion within a legal treatise

  A legal scholar might advise, "For a thorough understanding of the nuances of corporate veil piercing, consult Professor Jones's seminal work, Chapter 4 ad finem."

  Explanation: This instruction directs the reader to review Chapter 4 of Professor Jones's book in its entirety, from its beginning to its conclusion, to grasp the full scope of the topic.

• Example 3: Indicating the full extent of a statutory provision

  During a legislative analysis, a researcher might note, "The proposed amendment significantly alters the enforcement mechanisms outlined in Section 101(b) ad finem of the current environmental act."

  Explanation: This usage signifies that the amendment impacts Section 101(b) from its initial wording all the way through to its concluding clauses, implying a comprehensive change to that entire subsection.