Legal Definitions - quae sequuntur personam

quae sequuntur personam

This Latin phrase translates to "things that follow the person." In historical legal contexts, it referred to movable property—items that are not permanently attached to land or buildings and can be easily transported or carried by an individual. It distinguishes such personal possessions from immovable property, like real estate.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Imagine a person relocating to a new city. All their personal belongings, such as their clothing, books, laptop, furniture, and kitchenware, would be considered quae sequuntur personam. These items are not fixed to their old residence; instead, they are possessions that literally "follow" the individual to their new home, demonstrating their movable nature.

• Consider a traveling musician who carries their instruments, sound equipment, and sheet music from one venue to another. These essential tools of their trade are not permanently installed anywhere; they are portable assets that "follow" the musician wherever they perform, enabling them to conduct their business in various locations.

• Think about a valuable collection of antique jewelry or rare coins held by an individual. These precious items are not affixed to any specific property. They are personal assets that can be moved, stored, or transported by the owner, thereby "following the person's" possession and control, rather than being tied to a fixed location.