Legal Definitions - C.A.V.

C.A.V. stands for Curia Advisari Vult, a Latin phrase meaning "the court wishes to be advised" or "the court wishes to consider."

When a court declares C.A.V., it means the judge or panel of judges has heard all the evidence and arguments in a case but needs time to deliberate privately before delivering a judgment or decision. Instead of ruling immediately, the court reserves its decision to carefully review the facts, legal precedents, and arguments presented. This ensures a well-reasoned and just outcome, especially in complex or sensitive matters.

• Example 1: A Complex Commercial Dispute

  Imagine a lengthy trial involving two large corporations disputing a multi-million dollar contract. The judge has listened to weeks of testimony from financial experts, reviewed thousands of pages of documents, and heard intricate legal arguments from both sides. After the closing arguments conclude, the judge states, "The court will take this matter C.A.V."

  This illustrates C.A.V. because the sheer volume and complexity of the evidence and legal points require the judge to meticulously review everything before issuing a fair and accurate ruling, rather than making an immediate decision.

• Example 2: A Sensitive Child Custody Case

  In a highly emotional child custody hearing, a judge has heard testimony from both parents, reviewed reports from social workers, and considered the child's expressed wishes. The decision will profoundly impact the child's future. After all parties have presented their cases, the judge announces, "I will reserve judgment on this matter, C.A.V."

  This demonstrates C.A.V. because the judge needs to carefully weigh all the sensitive factors, prioritize the child's best interests, and ensure a thoughtful decision that considers the long-term implications for the family, rather than rushing to a conclusion.

• Example 3: An Appellate Court Reviewing a Novel Legal Issue

  A panel of appellate judges has heard oral arguments in a case that involves a new interpretation of environmental law, a legal area with limited precedent. The lawyers have presented sophisticated arguments about statutory interpretation and public policy. Following the arguments, the presiding judge informs the parties that the court will proceed C.A.V.

  This shows C.A.V. in action because the appellate judges need time to confer amongst themselves, conduct further legal research into the novel points of law, and draft a comprehensive written opinion that will set a precedent for future cases, requiring careful consideration beyond the immediate hearing.