Legal Definitions - de caetero

De caetero is a Latin legal phrase that translates to "from this point forward" or "henceforth." It is used to indicate that a particular rule, condition, or state of affairs will apply going forward from a specific time, often the date of a document or an event, rather than retrospectively.

• Imagine a contract amendment between a software development firm and a client. The original contract stipulated that the client would receive unlimited technical support. A new amendment might state: "De caetero, technical support will be limited to 20 hours per month, effective immediately."

  Explanation: This means that from the moment the amendment is signed, the terms for technical support change. The previous unlimited support is no longer valid for future interactions; going forward, the 20-hour limit applies.

• A university administration issues a new policy regarding student conduct. The official announcement states: "All students found responsible for academic dishonesty will face immediate suspension, de caetero."

  Explanation: This signifies that the new, stricter consequence for academic dishonesty takes effect from the date the policy is announced. Any incidents occurring from that point forward will be subject to immediate suspension, regardless of previous, potentially less severe, penalties.

• In a property dispute, a judge issues an order concerning access rights to a shared driveway. The ruling declares: "The adjacent property owner shall have unrestricted access to the driveway between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM daily, de caetero."

  Explanation: This means that from the date of the court's order, the specified access schedule for the driveway is legally binding. Any previous arrangements or disputes over access are superseded, and this new schedule must be followed moving forward.