Legal Definitions - quaerens nihil capiat per billam

Quaerens nihil capiat per billam

This historical Latin legal phrase translates to "let the plaintiff take nothing by his bill." In modern, accessible terms, it signifies a judgment rendered by a court entirely in favor of the defendant. When a court issues a judgment of quaerens nihil capiat per billam, it means that the plaintiff's lawsuit has completely failed, and they will not receive any of the relief, compensation, or remedies they sought through their legal action. The court has found that the plaintiff did not prove their case, and therefore, their claim is dismissed, and they recover nothing from the defendant.

• Example 1: A small business owner, Ms. Ramirez, sued a larger corporation, "GlobalTech Solutions," alleging that GlobalTech had stolen her patented software design. During the trial, GlobalTech presented extensive evidence, including design documents and development timelines, proving that their software was developed independently and predated Ms. Ramirez's patent application. The court, finding no evidence of infringement or theft, issued a judgment of quaerens nihil capiat per billam.

  Explanation: In this scenario, Ms. Ramirez, the plaintiff, initiated a lawsuit seeking damages and an injunction against GlobalTech. However, the court's decision, signified by quaerens nihil capiat per billam, means that her claims were rejected, and she will receive no compensation or legal protection from GlobalTech through this particular lawsuit.

• Example 2: Mr. Thompson filed a lawsuit against his neighbor, Ms. Davies, claiming that a large tree on her property was encroaching on his land and causing damage to his fence, demanding its removal and compensation for repairs. After reviewing property surveys and expert arborist testimony, the court determined that the tree was entirely within Ms. Davies's property lines and that the fence damage was pre-existing and unrelated to the tree's growth. Consequently, the court entered a judgment of quaerens nihil capiat per billam.

  Explanation: Here, Mr. Thompson, as the plaintiff, sought specific relief (tree removal) and monetary compensation. The court's ruling against him, expressed as quaerens nihil capiat per billam, means that his lawsuit was unsuccessful, and he will not obtain the tree's removal or any damages from Ms. Davies.

• Example 3: A former employee, Mr. Chen, sued his previous employer, "Apex Marketing," for wrongful termination, claiming he was fired due to age discrimination. Apex Marketing, the defendant, provided documentation showing that Mr. Chen was terminated due to repeated violations of company policy regarding client confidentiality, which were clearly outlined in his employment contract. The court found no evidence of age discrimination and concluded that the termination was for legitimate business reasons, issuing a judgment of quaerens nihil capiat per billam.

  Explanation: Mr. Chen, the plaintiff, sought compensation for wrongful termination. The court's decision, indicated by quaerens nihil capiat per billam, signifies that his claim of discrimination was not proven, and therefore, he will receive no financial award or reinstatement from Apex Marketing as a result of his lawsuit.