Legal Definitions - in alio loco

In alio loco is a Latin legal phrase meaning in another place or in another's place. It is used to indicate that an event, action, or item occurred or is situated somewhere other than the location initially stated, alleged, or expected.

• Jurisdiction in Criminal Cases

  Scenario: A person is accused of committing a felony, and the initial police report states the crime took place within the city limits of Metropolis. However, during the pre-trial investigation, the defense uncovers evidence suggesting that the actual criminal act, or at least the critical components of it, occurred just outside Metropolis's boundaries, in a neighboring jurisdiction, Gotham City.

  Explanation: The defense would argue that the crime occurred "in alio loco" – in another place (Gotham City) – which could challenge the jurisdiction of the Metropolis court to hear the case. The precise location of the offense is crucial for determining which court has the legal authority to proceed.

• Contractual Performance

  Scenario: A consulting firm enters into a contract to provide on-site training sessions for a client's employees at the client's main office building. Due to an unexpected scheduling conflict, the consulting firm decides to conduct the training at a rented conference facility across town, without first obtaining the client's explicit agreement.

  Explanation: By conducting the training at the rented facility, the consulting firm performed its contractual obligation "in alio loco" – in another place – than what was specified in the agreement. This deviation could be considered a breach of contract, as the location of performance was a stipulated term.

• Property Disputes

  Scenario: A landowner files a lawsuit against a neighbor, claiming the neighbor's newly constructed shed encroaches onto their property by several feet. The neighbor, in response, presents a recent land survey that clearly shows the shed is entirely contained within their own property lines, or perhaps even on a different, adjacent parcel they also own.

  Explanation: The neighbor is asserting that the shed was built "in alio loco" – in another place – than where the plaintiff claimed the encroachment occurred. This defense directly disputes the factual premise of the lawsuit by providing evidence of the structure's actual location.