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Legal Definitions - de plano
Definition of de plano
de plano
The Latin phrase de plano translates literally to "from ground level." In legal contexts, it describes actions taken directly, immediately, or without the usual formalities. It can also refer to something that is clear or obvious.
Meaning 1: Immediately; forthwith; without delay.
This sense emphasizes prompt action, often bypassing standard procedural delays or waiting periods.
Example A: During a complex trial, a judge might rule de plano on a minor objection regarding the admissibility of a document, deciding on the spot without requiring extensive legal arguments or a recess. This means the judge made an immediate decision to keep the trial moving forward, rather than delaying for a formal hearing on the objection.
Example B: A city council, faced with an urgent public health crisis, might vote de plano to allocate emergency funds. This signifies that they approved the funding immediately, without the usual multi-stage review process, due to the pressing nature of the situation.
Meaning 2: Informally; in a direct or summary manner, bypassing usual formalities.
This meaning highlights a straightforward approach, often to achieve a quick resolution by avoiding more elaborate or ceremonial procedures.
Example A: In a small claims court, a magistrate might resolve a dispute between neighbors over a shared fence de plano by encouraging them to reach a direct agreement on costs, rather than forcing them through a lengthy evidentiary hearing. The resolution is achieved directly and without the full formal court process.
Example B: A company's internal ethics committee might decide de plano to issue a warning to an employee for a minor policy infraction, rather than initiating a full, formal disciplinary investigation. This indicates a direct, less formal approach to addressing the issue quickly.
Meaning 3: Clearly; manifestly; obviously.
This sense refers to something that is evident or apparent without needing further explanation or proof.
Example A: After reviewing the security footage, it was de plano that the suspect had tampered with the evidence. This means the footage provided clear and undeniable proof, making the suspect's actions obvious to anyone who viewed it.
Example B: The error in the legal contract, where a key date was mistakenly written as "2025" instead of "2024," was de plano to anyone who read the document carefully. This illustrates that the mistake was immediately apparent and unambiguous.
Simple Definition
De plano is a Latin term historically signifying an action taken directly, informally, or in a summary manner. Originating from Roman law where a judge would administer justice "from ground level" rather than from an elevated bench, it also came to mean "clearly," "manifestly," or "forthwith" in other legal traditions.
