Legal Definitions - ad quaerimoniam

ad quaerimoniam

This Latin legal phrase translates to "on complaint of" or "upon the complaint of." It indicates that an action, investigation, or proceeding is initiated or undertaken specifically because a formal complaint has been made by an individual or entity.

• Example 1: A state environmental protection agency receives numerous reports from residents about a factory discharging pollutants into a local river. Acting ad quaerimoniam, the agency launches a full investigation into the factory's operations and compliance with environmental regulations.

  Explanation: The agency's investigation was not a routine check but was specifically prompted and justified by the formal complaints ("on complaint of") made by the affected residents.

• Example 2: A professional licensing board for doctors receives a detailed written complaint from a patient alleging medical malpractice by a particular physician. The board, acting ad quaerimoniam, initiates a formal review of the physician's conduct and medical records to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.

  Explanation: The board's decision to review the physician's case was directly triggered by and based upon ("on complaint of") the patient's formal accusation.

• Example 3: After a tenant submits a formal complaint to their landlord about persistent issues with a leaky roof and non-functioning heating, the local housing authority sends an inspector to the property. The inspector's visit and subsequent report are conducted ad quaerimoniam, addressing the specific concerns raised by the tenant.

  Explanation: The housing authority's intervention and inspection were undertaken in direct response to ("on complaint of") the tenant's formal grievance about the property conditions.