Legal Definitions - de quo

de quo

This Latin phrase translates to "of which" or "concerning which." It is sometimes encountered in legal texts, particularly older ones, or in formal legal discussions to refer back to a previously mentioned subject, document, or issue.

• Example 1: Imagine a legal brief discussing a specific clause in a contract. The brief might state, "The contract's indemnification clause, de quo the parties have significantly disagreed, forms the core of this dispute."

  Explanation: Here, "de quo" refers back to the "indemnification clause," meaning "concerning which" the parties have disagreed. It clarifies that the disagreement is specifically about that clause.

• Example 2: A judge issues a complex ruling with multiple sections. Later, a lawyer might refer to a specific part by saying, "The court's decision on punitive damages, de quo we intend to file an appeal, presents a novel interpretation of the statute."

  Explanation: In this context, "de quo" refers to "the court's decision on punitive damages," indicating "of which" or "concerning which" an appeal is intended. It precisely identifies the subject of the intended action.

• Example 3: During a property dispute, a specific deed is central to the case. A legal document might state, "The original deed, de quo the property boundaries are clearly delineated, was recorded in 1950."

  Explanation: Here, "de quo" refers to "the original deed," meaning "of which" the property boundaries are delineated. It specifies that the boundaries are found within that particular deed.