Legal Definitions - pro falso clamore suo

Pro falso clamore suo is a Latin legal phrase that translates to "for his false claim." Historically, it referred to a symbolic penalty or a small, nominal fine imposed on a plaintiff (the party who initiates a lawsuit) when their legal action was ultimately found to be without merit or based on an unfounded allegation, and the court ruled in favor of the defendant. It served as a formal acknowledgment within the judgment that the plaintiff had pursued a claim that was not substantiated by the evidence or the law.

• Unsubstantiated Personal Injury Claim
  A person files a lawsuit claiming they suffered a severe injury due to a slip and fall at a local grocery store, seeking substantial damages. However, during the discovery process, surveillance footage clearly shows the person intentionally staged the fall, and medical examinations reveal no actual injury. The court dismisses the case and rules in favor of the grocery store.

  Explanation: Here, the plaintiff's claim of injury and negligence was proven to be entirely false and fabricated. The court's judgment for the defendant might historically include a notation of pro falso clamore suo, signifying that the plaintiff's initial allegation was unfounded and deserved a symbolic rebuke.

• Baseless Contract Dispute
  A small business owner sues a former client, alleging a breach of contract and demanding payment for services rendered. The client, however, presents overwhelming evidence, including signed completion certificates and bank statements, proving that all services were completed to satisfaction and full payment was made months ago. The court finds in favor of the client.

  Explanation: The business owner's claim of non-payment and breach of contract was demonstrably false. The court's ruling for the client would historically be accompanied by the concept of pro falso clamore suo, indicating that the plaintiff's claim lacked any factual basis.

• Disproven Property Boundary Claim
  In a rural area, one landowner files a lawsuit against a neighboring landowner, asserting that a portion of their property line has been incorrectly drawn for decades and that a significant strip of land rightfully belongs to them. After extensive review of historical deeds, professional land surveys, and expert testimony, the court determines that the existing boundary is correct and the plaintiff's claim is entirely without merit.

  Explanation: The plaintiff's assertion regarding the property boundary was found to be a "false claim" in the legal sense, as it was disproven by the evidence. The judgment for the defendant landowner would historically include the principle of pro falso clamore suo, acknowledging the baseless nature of the plaintiff's original allegation.