Legal Definitions - super eisdem deductis

Super eisdem deductis is a historical legal Latin phrase that translates to "upon the same grounds." It refers to a situation where a decision, argument, or conclusion is based on the exact same set of facts, reasons, or legal principles as a previously established one. Essentially, it means that the justification for a current action or ruling is identical to a prior one, without introducing new foundational elements.

• Example 1: Court Dismissal of Repeated Motions

  After a judge has already ruled on a motion to dismiss a case, the defense attorney files an identical motion a second time, presenting the exact same legal arguments and citing the same precedents that were already considered and rejected. The judge dismisses the second motion, stating that the decision is made super eisdem deductis.

  Explanation: The judge's dismissal of the second motion is based "upon the same grounds" as the rejection of the first motion, meaning no new legal arguments or facts were introduced to warrant a different outcome.

• Example 2: Administrative Review of a Permit Application

  A local planning commission initially denies a developer's application for a building permit due to specific concerns about traffic impact and environmental regulations. The developer then resubmits the application without making any changes to address these issues. The commission denies the second application, citing the decision as being super eisdem deductis.

  Explanation: The second denial is "upon the same grounds" because the developer failed to alter the proposal in a way that would mitigate the original traffic and environmental concerns, thus presenting the same problematic basis for the application.

• Example 3: Appellate Court Affirmation

  An appellant files an appeal challenging a lower court's judgment, presenting arguments that were thoroughly debated and decided against them in the initial trial. The appellate court reviews the case and affirms the lower court's decision, noting that their ruling is super eisdem deductis.

  Explanation: The appellate court's affirmation is "upon the same grounds" because the appellant did not introduce new legal errors or factual interpretations that had not already been considered and resolved by the trial court, effectively presenting the same basis for their challenge.