Legal Definitions - res sua

"Res sua" is a Latin term that historically referred to one's own property. It designates an item or asset that legally belongs to a specific individual or entity.

res sua is a Latin term that translates to one's own property or something that belongs to oneself. It refers to an item, asset, or right that is exclusively owned by an individual or entity, distinguishing it from property that might be leased, borrowed, or owned by another party.

• Example 1: A Homeowner's Primary Residence

  Imagine Maria, who has paid off her mortgage and holds the deed to her house. The house is entirely hers, free from any claims or ownership by a bank or previous owner.

  This house is considered res sua to Maria because she possesses full and exclusive ownership rights. It is her personal property, not rented, leased, or owned by anyone else.

• Example 2: A Small Business Owner's Tools

  Consider a carpenter, John, who owns all his woodworking tools—saws, drills, and chisels—which he purchased himself for his business. These tools are essential for his work and are not rented or borrowed from anyone.

  These tools represent res sua for John. They are assets that belong directly to him and his business, allowing him to use them as he sees fit without needing permission from another owner.

• Example 3: An Individual's Personal Investment Portfolio

  Sarah has an investment account containing stocks and bonds that she bought with her own money. She makes all the decisions about buying and selling these investments.

  The stocks and bonds within Sarah's investment portfolio are res sua. Even though they are held by a brokerage firm, the underlying assets are legally recognized as belonging to Sarah, and she has the exclusive right to manage and benefit from them.