Legal Definitions - jus futurum

Jus futurum is a Latin term used in civil law to describe a right that is not yet fully established or enforceable. It refers to an expectant or inchoate right, meaning it exists in potential or anticipation but has not yet fully "vested" or become a complete, present entitlement. For a jus futurum to become a fully realized right, certain future conditions must be met or specific events must occur.

• Inheritance from a Will:

  Imagine a grandparent's will specifies that their grandchild will inherit a substantial sum of money upon the grandparent's death.

  This scenario illustrates a jus futurum because the grandchild has an expectant right to the inheritance. However, this right is not fully vested or enforceable in the present. It depends entirely on the future event of the grandparent's passing and the subsequent legal process of probate. Until then, the grandparent is free to change their will, or other circumstances could alter the outcome, meaning the right is not yet absolute.

• Conditional Employment Bonus:

  An employee is promised a significant performance bonus at the end of the fiscal year, provided the company achieves its annual revenue targets and the employee remains employed through the bonus payout date.

  Here, the employee holds a jus futurum regarding the bonus. They have an expectation of receiving it, but the right is conditional and not fully vested. It relies on future events—the company meeting its financial goals and the employee's continued employment. If these conditions are not met, the right to the bonus never fully materializes.

• Future Interest in Property:

  A parent creates a legal deed stating that their child will receive full ownership of a family vacation home *after* the parent passes away.

  In this case, the child possesses a jus futurum concerning the vacation home. They have a future interest or an expectant right to own the property. This right is not fully vested or enforceable today because the parent retains current ownership and control. The child's full, present ownership right will only come into existence upon the parent's death, fulfilling the necessary future condition.