Legal Definitions - ex concessis

Ex concessis is a Latin legal phrase that translates to "from what has been conceded" or "from what has already been granted."

It refers to an argument or conclusion that is considered valid or true because it logically follows from facts, statements, or premises that have already been accepted, admitted, or agreed upon by the parties involved. Essentially, if you've already agreed to certain foundational points, then a conclusion that flows directly from those points is considered established ex concessis.

Here are some examples illustrating this concept:

• Business Negotiation: Imagine two business partners discussing a new product launch. One partner states, "Given that we both agreed our primary goal is to minimize initial capital outlay, and we've already established that outsourcing manufacturing is significantly cheaper than building our own factory, then ex concessis, we should proceed with outsourcing production for this first phase."

  Explanation: The conclusion to outsource is presented as undeniable because it directly follows from the two points (minimizing capital and outsourcing being cheaper) that both partners had previously accepted and agreed upon.

• Legal Argument: In a civil lawsuit, if the defendant's lawyer has already admitted that their client signed the contract and also conceded that the contract clearly specifies a delivery date, then the plaintiff's lawyer might argue, "Since the defendant has already conceded signing the contract and the specified delivery date, it follows ex concessis that they were aware of their obligation to deliver by that date."

  Explanation: The plaintiff's argument about the defendant's awareness is based on facts (signing the contract, clear delivery date) that the defendant's own lawyer has already allowed or granted as true.

• Policy Debate: During a city council meeting discussing a new urban development project, a council member might argue, "Since we've all previously agreed that preserving historical landmarks is a top priority for our city, and the proposed development plan clearly involves demolishing the old town hall, then ex concessis, we cannot approve this plan in its current form."

  Explanation: The decision not to approve the development is presented as a necessary consequence of the previously accepted principle (preserving historical landmarks) and the acknowledged fact that the plan contradicts it.