Legal Definitions - et sic ad judicium

Et sic ad judicium is an archaic Latin phrase that translates to "and so to judgment." In a legal context, it signifies the point in a proceeding where all necessary preliminary steps, arguments, and evidence have been presented, and the matter is now ready for a final decision or ruling by a court, judge, or other adjudicating body. It marks the transition from the investigative or argumentative phase to the conclusive decision-making phase.

• Example 1: Civil Litigation

  Imagine a complex business dispute where two companies are suing each other over a contract. After months of gathering evidence (discovery), filing various motions, and conducting a full trial where both sides presented witnesses and expert testimony, the attorneys deliver their final closing arguments to the jury or judge.

  This moment represents et sic ad judicium. All the information, arguments, and evidence have been laid out. The court now has everything it needs to deliberate and issue a final verdict or judgment, bringing the dispute to a resolution.

• Example 2: Appellate Court Review

  Consider a situation where a party has appealed a lower court's decision. Both sides have submitted extensive legal briefs outlining their arguments, and a panel of appellate judges has heard oral arguments from the attorneys, asking questions and clarifying points of law.

  Once the oral arguments conclude, the case reaches the stage of et sic ad judicium. The appellate judges will then retire to deliberate, discuss the legal issues, and ultimately issue a written opinion that either affirms, reverses, or modifies the original judgment.

• Example 3: Administrative Hearing

  Suppose a professional licensing board is holding a hearing to determine if a licensed professional violated ethical standards. Over several days, the board hears testimony from complainants, witnesses, and the professional in question, and reviews numerous documents and exhibits.

  After all testimony is heard and all evidence is submitted, the hearing officer declares the evidentiary phase closed. At this point, the matter is et sic ad judicium. The board or hearing officer now has all the necessary information to review the entire record and render a final administrative decision regarding the professional's license.