Legal Definitions - de ambitu

The Latin term de ambitu refers to the use of improper, unethical, or illicit methods to gain a position, advantage, or influence. It describes actions taken to secure an outcome through dishonest or manipulative practices, such as bribery or undue persuasion, rather than through merit, fair process, or legitimate means.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of de ambitu:

• Example 1: Corporate Contract Bidding

  A construction company owner secretly offers a lavish vacation package to a municipal planning commissioner's spouse, hoping to influence the commissioner's vote on which company receives a lucrative public infrastructure contract. The company's bid is not necessarily the strongest, but they are attempting to secure the contract through this indirect favor.

  This situation exemplifies de ambitu because the construction company is employing an improper inducement (the vacation package) to sway a decision-maker and secure a business advantage, rather than relying solely on the quality and competitiveness of their proposal.

• Example 2: Professional Licensing

  An individual applying for a highly sought-after professional license, which requires passing a rigorous examination, attempts to pay an administrative official to "lose" or alter their failing exam results. Their goal is to obtain the license without genuinely meeting the required competency standards.

  This is an instance of de ambitu because the applicant is using bribery and deception to bypass the legitimate assessment process and secure a professional credential they have not earned, thereby gaining a professional position through illicit means.

• Example 3: University Admissions

  A wealthy alumnus makes a substantial, anonymous donation to a university's athletic department just weeks before their child, who has a mediocre academic record, is unexpectedly admitted to a highly competitive academic program. There is an unspoken understanding that the donation was intended to influence the admissions committee's decision.

  This scenario illustrates de ambitu if the donation was made with the implicit expectation that it would improperly influence the admissions process, allowing the child to secure a coveted spot through financial leverage rather than academic merit alone.