Legal Definitions - scilicet

Scilicet is a Latin term commonly found in legal documents and formal writing.

It functions as an introductory word, meaning "that is to say" or "namely." Its purpose is to signal that a more specific or detailed explanation will follow a preceding general statement. Essentially, when you see scilicet, it indicates that the information immediately after it serves to clarify, elaborate on, or narrow down what was just mentioned in broader terms.

• Example 1: In a contract outlining a service agreement, a clause might state: "The service provider shall ensure the proper maintenance of the client's IT infrastructure, scilicet, regular software updates, daily data backups, and weekly security scans."

  Explanation: Here, scilicet clarifies what "proper maintenance" specifically entails, moving from a general obligation to a list of precise actions the service provider must perform.

• Example 2: A court order might read: "The defendant must pay all outstanding financial obligations to the plaintiff, scilicet, the unpaid rent for three months, utility bills totaling $500, and compensation for property damage amounting to $1,200."

  Explanation: In this context, scilicet introduces the specific components that make up "all outstanding financial obligations," providing a detailed breakdown of the required payment.

• Example 3: A will might specify: "My entire collection of antique timepieces shall be bequeathed to my niece, Eleanor Vance, scilicet, the grandfather clock, the pocket watch from 1880, and the cuckoo clock."

  Explanation: Here, scilicet is used to explicitly list the individual items that constitute "my entire collection of antique timepieces," ensuring there is no ambiguity about which items are being bequeathed.