Legal Definitions - inter

Inter is a Latin prefix or preposition meaning "among" or "between." In legal contexts, it is frequently used to indicate a relationship, action, or characteristic that exists or occurs among multiple entities or between two or more parties, states, or concepts.

• Example 1: Inter Alia

  Scenario: A plaintiff files a lawsuit alleging several grievances against a company. The court's initial order might state, "The court will consider the plaintiff's claims, inter alia, regarding breach of contract and unfair trade practices."

  Explanation: Here, inter alia translates to "among other things." It signifies that while breach of contract and unfair trade practices are specifically mentioned, the plaintiff's lawsuit likely includes additional claims or issues that the court will also address. The term indicates that the listed items are part of a larger group of considerations.

• Example 2: Interstate Compact

  Scenario: The states of Colorado and Kansas enter into an interstate compact to manage the water resources of a shared river basin, agreeing on how water will be allocated and conserved by both states.

  Explanation: An interstate compact is an agreement or contract made "between states." The "inter" prefix clearly denotes that the agreement is not within a single state but rather a formal arrangement established *between* two or more sovereign states to address common issues or achieve shared goals.

• Example 3: Inter Vivos Gift

  Scenario: A grandmother decides to give her granddaughter a valuable antique watch while both are alive. This transfer of property is known as an inter vivos gift.

  Explanation:Inter vivos means "between the living." This term is used to describe a transfer or gift of property that takes place during the lifetime of the donor (the person giving) and the donee (the person receiving), as opposed to a transfer that occurs after death, such as through a will. The "inter" here emphasizes that the transaction occurs *between* living individuals.