Legal Definitions - ipsissima verba

Ipsissima verba is a Latin phrase meaning "the very (same) words." In a legal context, it refers to the exact, precise wording used by an individual or found in a document, without any alteration, summary, or interpretation. It emphasizes the importance of the original, literal text.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of ipsissima verba:

• Contractual Disputes: Imagine a complex business agreement where one party claims a specific clause was intended to mean something different from its literal reading. A court would typically focus on the ipsissima verba of the contract's language. If the contract states, "Payment is due on the first business day of each month," the court will interpret that exact phrasing, rather than considering arguments that the parties "really meant" payment could be made anytime within the first week.

  This example demonstrates ipsissima verba because the legal interpretation hinges entirely on the exact words written in the contract, not on any implied or assumed meaning.

• Legislative Interpretation: When a new law is passed, government agencies often issue regulations to clarify how the law should be implemented. If there's a challenge to these regulations, a court might examine the ipsissima verba of the original statute. For instance, if a statute says, "All vehicles must stop at a red light," and a regulation attempts to exempt emergency vehicles, a court would scrutinize whether the exact words of the statute ("All vehicles") allow for such an exemption.

  Here, ipsissima verba highlights that the precise wording of the statute is the primary authority, and any interpretation or regulation must align directly with those exact words.

• Witness Testimony: In a criminal trial, a witness might state, "I saw the defendant leave the building at precisely 10:00 PM." If, during cross-examination or an appeal, there's a question about the exact timing, the court record or transcript would be consulted for the ipsissima verba of the witness's statement. This ensures that any subsequent arguments or decisions are based on what was actually said, not on a paraphrase or a recollection.

  This example illustrates ipsissima verba by showing the critical importance of referring to the exact words spoken by a witness to avoid misrepresentation or misunderstanding of their testimony.