Legal Definitions - quid actum est

Quid actum est is a Latin phrase that translates to "what has been done." In a legal context, it refers to an inquiry or a statement about the actions, events, or proceedings that have already occurred up to a particular point in time. It focuses on the past state of affairs or the completed steps in a legal process.

• Imagine a judge presiding over a complex civil lawsuit. After a long recess, the judge might ask the attorneys, "Quid actum est since our last hearing?" This question is an inquiry into what actions have been taken by the parties, such as filing new motions, conducting depositions, or exchanging evidence, since the court last convened. The judge wants to understand the current status based on past activities.

• Consider two business partners reviewing a project that has fallen behind schedule. One partner might ask the other, "Regarding the initial phase of the project, quid actum est?" Here, they are asking what has been done concerning the agreed-upon tasks and milestones for that specific phase. This helps them assess performance against the contract terms and understand which obligations were fulfilled or neglected.

• During an internal investigation into a workplace incident, a lead investigator might interview a witness and ask, "Before the incident occurred, quid actum est by the safety team?" This question seeks to establish what actions were taken by the safety team leading up to the event, such as conducting inspections, providing training, or implementing new protocols. The answer helps determine if proper procedures were followed or if any negligence occurred.