Legal Definitions - ad tunc et ibidem

Ad tunc et ibidem is a historical Latin legal phrase that translates to "then and there." It was traditionally used in formal legal documents, particularly indictments, to precisely specify the exact time and location at which an alleged event or condition occurred.

• Example 1 (Historical Criminal Indictment):

  Imagine an old criminal indictment from the 17th century. It might state: "That William Smith, on the third day of October, in the year of our Lord sixteen hundred and ninety-five, ad tunc et ibidem, in the market square of the town of Bristol, did unlawfully assault and batter one Thomas Jones..."

  Explanation: In this context, "ad tunc et ibidem" serves to pinpoint the exact moment (October 3, 1695) and specific location (market square of Bristol) where William Smith allegedly committed the assault. It emphasizes that the unlawful act was "then and there" carried out.

• Example 2 (Finding of Contraband):

  Consider a historical legal record detailing the discovery of illegal goods. It might read: "The King's customs officers, upon searching the vessel 'The Seawolf,' did find and seize a quantity of undeclared rum, ad tunc et ibidem, in the ship's hold while docked at the port of Plymouth, on the morning of April 12, 1780."

  Explanation: Here, "ad tunc et ibidem" specifies the precise location (the ship's hold in the port of Plymouth) and time (morning of April 12, 1780) where the undeclared rum was discovered. It establishes that the contraband was "then and there" present.

• Example 3 (Apprehension of a Fugitive):

  In a historical account of a legal pursuit, a document might state: "The sheriff's deputies, having pursued the escaped prisoner, did apprehend him ad tunc et ibidem, hiding in the barn belonging to Farmer Giles, outside the village of Little Hulton, on the evening of June 21, 1820."

  Explanation: This example uses "ad tunc et ibidem" to clearly identify the exact place (Farmer Giles's barn outside Little Hulton) and time (evening of June 21, 1820) where the fugitive was found and taken into custody. It highlights the specific circumstances of the apprehension.