Legal Definitions - et sic ulterius

The Latin phrase et sic ulterius translates to "and so on," "and so forth," or "and so further." It was historically used in legal documents and other formal writing to indicate that a list, a series of actions, or a principle should be understood to continue beyond what was explicitly stated, following the same pattern or logic. While rarely used in modern legal practice, it might be encountered when reviewing older legal texts, historical documents, or academic discussions of historical law.

• Example 1: Inheritance in a Historical Will

  Imagine a will from the 17th century that outlines the succession of a family estate. It might state: "I grant my manor and all its appurtenances to my eldest son, Thomas, and upon his passing, to his eldest son, Henry, and upon Henry's passing, to his eldest son, George, et sic ulterius."

  Explanation: In this context, "et sic ulterius" signifies that the pattern of inheritance—where the estate passes to the eldest son of the current holder—is intended to continue indefinitely through subsequent generations, even though only a few specific individuals are named. It means "and so on down the line."

• Example 2: Recurring Obligations in an Ancient Contract

  Consider an old lease agreement for agricultural land. It might specify: "The tenant shall annually deliver ten bushels of wheat, two fat hogs, and one barrel of ale to the landlord, et sic ulterius, as rent for the demised premises."

  Explanation: Here, "et sic ulterius" indicates that the specified items (wheat, hogs, ale) are part of a recurring annual obligation. It implies that these deliveries are to be made every year, continuing in the same manner for the duration of the lease, without needing to explicitly state "every year" after each item.

• Example 3: Procedural Steps in a Historical Legal Process

  In a historical legal treatise describing a sequence of court actions, it might detail: "The plaintiff shall file a complaint, then the defendant shall file an answer, then discovery shall commence, et sic ulterius, until the matter is ready for trial."

  Explanation: This use of "et sic ulterius" suggests that the described steps are merely the beginning of a longer, established legal process. It implies that the reader should understand that other standard procedural steps, such as motions, hearings, and pre-trial conferences, would follow in their usual order, even if not explicitly listed.