Legal Definitions - ad informandum judicem

Ad informandum judicem is a historical Latin legal phrase that translates to "for the judge's information." It refers to any document, statement, or presentation made to a judge with the primary purpose of providing background, context, or clarification, rather than as formal evidence or a direct legal argument. While the specific phrase is less common in modern legal practice, the underlying concept of providing supplementary information to assist a judge's understanding remains relevant.

• Example 1: Technical Tutorial in a Patent Case

  In a highly complex patent infringement lawsuit, the lawyers for both sides might agree to submit a joint "tutorial" document to the judge. This document would explain the intricate technical aspects of the patented technology in simpler terms, often including diagrams and a glossary of industry-specific jargon, before the formal legal arguments and presentation of evidence begin.

  This tutorial is presented ad informandum judicem because its sole purpose is to educate the judge on the underlying technology. It is not considered formal evidence, nor is it a direct legal argument; it serves purely to enhance the judge's understanding of the subject matter before they evaluate the legal claims.

• Example 2: Historical Precedent Summary

  Imagine a scenario in a 19th-century court where a barrister (a type of lawyer) prepared a concise written summary of relevant historical legal precedents and principles for the judge to review before hearing a complex case involving property rights. This summary would not be part of the formal pleadings or evidence presented during the trial itself.

  This summary served ad informandum judicem by providing the judge with a quick, pre-hearing overview of the legal landscape pertinent to the dispute, helping them grasp the context and established law before the formal arguments commenced.

• Example 3: Comparative Sentencing Memorandum

  During a sentencing hearing for a unique criminal offense, a prosecutor might provide the judge with a brief, non-binding memorandum. This memorandum could outline sentencing guidelines or outcomes from other jurisdictions for similar, albeit rare, offenses, purely as a comparative reference point, not as a direct recommendation for the current case.

  This memorandum is offered ad informandum judicem because it provides additional, non-binding context to assist the judge in their decision-making process, without being a formal part of the evidence or a direct legal argument for a specific sentence in the immediate case.