Legal Definitions - de cetero

De cetero is a Latin legal phrase that translates to "henceforth," "hereafter," or "from now on." It is used in legal documents, statutes, and agreements to specify that a particular rule, condition, or state of affairs will apply from a designated point in time forward, rather than retroactively or only for past events. Essentially, it signals a change in application that takes effect immediately and continues into the future.

Here are some examples to illustrate its use:

• Company Policy Update: Imagine a company issues a new internal policy regarding the use of company vehicles. The policy document might state: "De cetero, all employees wishing to use a company vehicle for personal errands must obtain prior written approval from their direct supervisor."

  Explanation: This means that from the moment this policy is enacted onward, the requirement for prior written approval applies to all personal use of company vehicles. Any personal use that occurred before the policy was issued is not affected, but all future instances must comply with this new rule.

• Court Order: A judge presiding over a civil dispute might issue an order that includes a specific directive for the parties involved. For instance, the order could state: "De cetero, neither party shall communicate directly with the other without their respective legal counsel present."

  Explanation: This signifies that from the date this court order is issued forward, all direct communication between the parties is prohibited unless their lawyers are present. It establishes a new mandatory conduct rule for all future interactions between them.

• Contractual Amendment: In a long-term service contract, the parties might agree to amend certain terms. An amendment document could include a clause like: "De cetero, the service provider shall submit monthly performance reports by the fifth business day of the following month."

  Explanation: This indicates that from the effective date of this amendment onward, the service provider is obligated to submit performance reports according to the new schedule. Previous reporting schedules are superseded, and all future reports must adhere to this revised timeline.