Legal Definitions - Pro tempore

Pro tempore, often abbreviated as pro tem, is a Latin phrase meaning for the time being or temporarily. It is used to describe a person, position, or action that is not permanent but serves a specific function for a limited duration, typically until a permanent solution or individual is established.

• Example 1: Temporary Legislative Leadership

  Imagine a state legislature where the elected Speaker of the House suddenly becomes ill and cannot perform their duties for several weeks. The legislature might then elect one of its members to serve as Speaker pro tempore.

  This illustrates the term because the appointed Speaker holds the leadership role only for the temporary period of the permanent Speaker's absence, ensuring the legislative body can continue its work without interruption until the permanent Speaker returns or a new one is formally elected.

• Example 2: Interim Corporate Officer

  Consider a technology startup whose Chief Financial Officer (CFO) unexpectedly resigns. To maintain financial oversight and prepare for an extensive search for a permanent replacement, the company's board of directors might appoint the current Vice President of Finance to serve as CFO pro tempore.

  This demonstrates the concept as the Vice President assumes the CFO's responsibilities on a temporary basis, ensuring critical financial operations continue smoothly while the company undertakes the process of finding and hiring a permanent CFO.