Legal Definitions - et

The term "et" is a Latin word meaning "and." In legal contexts, it is primarily encountered within traditional Latin or Law French phrases that have been historically used in legal documents and terminology. It serves to connect two or more parties, concepts, or conditions.

Here are some examples of how "et" is used in legal language:

• Connecting Multiple Parties in a Case:

  You might see "et" as part of the abbreviation et al. (short for et alii, et aliae, or et alia), which means "and others." This is commonly used in case names or legal citations when there are multiple parties involved, but only the first one is explicitly named.

  Example: "The court heard arguments in the case of Smith v. Jones et al. concerning a complex real estate dispute."

  Explanation: In this example, "et al." signifies that Mr. Jones is not the only defendant; there are additional, unnamed defendants involved in the lawsuit, connected by the implied "and others."

• Identifying a Spouse in Property Records:

  Historically, especially in property deeds and conveyances, "et" was used to denote a spouse. You might encounter et ux. (short for et uxor), meaning "and wife," or less commonly, et vir, meaning "and husband."

  Example: "An old land deed from the 19th century might list the grantors as 'John Doe et ux.' when transferring ownership of a parcel of land."

  Explanation: Here, "et ux." uses "et" to connect John Doe with his wife, indicating that both individuals were parties to the property transaction and jointly conveyed the land.

• Linking Related Concepts in Legal Descriptions:

  While less common in modern plain English legal drafting, "et" historically connected related concepts or items within a legal description, particularly concerning property or rights.

  Example: "A historical easement document might refer to the right of way for ingress et egress across a property."

  Explanation: In this context, "ingress et egress" means "ingress and egress" (the right to enter and exit). The "et" connects these two related rights, emphasizing that both are granted or described together within the legal instrument.