Legal Definitions - hoc ordine

Hoc Ordine

The Latin phrase hoc ordine, historically used in legal contexts, translates to "in this order." It was employed to specify that a series of actions, items, or considerations must be followed or executed in a particular, prescribed sequence.

• Example 1: Judicial Instructions

  In a historical court proceeding, a judge might have instructed the jury to consider the evidence of the prosecution first, then the evidence of the defense, and only hoc ordine (in this order) deliberate on the verdict. This ensured a structured and fair review of all presented information.

  Explanation: This example illustrates how hoc ordine dictated the precise sequence in which the jury was to evaluate the different parts of the case, ensuring that each step was addressed before moving to the next.

• Example 2: Testamentary Provisions

  An old will might have stipulated that upon the testator's death, the estate's debts must be settled first, then specific monetary gifts distributed to named beneficiaries, and finally, any remaining assets given to a charitable institution, hoc ordine. This clear instruction prevented disputes over the priority of distributions.

  Explanation: Here, hoc ordine specifies the mandatory sequence for the executor to follow when distributing the deceased's estate, ensuring that obligations are met and beneficiaries receive their inheritances in the intended priority.

• Example 3: Legislative Process

  A historical statute outlining the process for a citizen to appeal a government decision might have required that the appeal first be submitted to a local administrative body, then, if unsuccessful, to a regional review board, and only hoc ordine (in this order) could it be brought before a higher court. This established a clear hierarchy of appeal.

  Explanation: This scenario demonstrates hoc ordine being used to define the mandatory sequence of steps a person must follow when navigating a legal or administrative process, ensuring that lower-level remedies are exhausted before higher-level ones are pursued.