Legal Definitions - ibi

The term ibi is derived from Latin and means at that specific place and time. In legal contexts, it refers to the precise location and moment an event occurred or a condition existed, which can be crucial for establishing facts, evidence, or jurisdiction.

• Crime Scene Investigation:

  Imagine a forensic team investigating a burglary. They discover a unique fingerprint on a windowpane. Documenting that this fingerprint was found ibi – precisely on that windowpane at the time of their investigation – is critical. This establishes the evidence's original location and the moment it was discovered, helping to prove its relevance to the crime and ensuring proper chain of custody. It confirms the fingerprint was "there and then" when found, linking it directly to the scene.

• Contractual Obligations:

  Consider a business contract for the sale of goods that specifies delivery must occur "FOB (Free On Board) warehouse, 3 PM on October 26th." For the seller to fulfill their obligation, the goods must be made available for shipment ibi – at the designated warehouse at exactly 3 PM on October 26th. If the goods are not ready at that specific place and time, the seller has failed to meet the contractual term, as the condition of being "there and then" was not satisfied.

• Witness Testimony:

  During a court trial, a witness might testify about observing a car accident. Their testimony gains significant weight if they can clearly state they were ibi – present at the intersection where the collision occurred at the exact moment it happened. For example, "I was standing ibi at the corner of Main and Elm Streets when the two vehicles collided at approximately 2:00 PM." This establishes the witness's direct presence "there and then," lending credibility to their account of the events.