Legal Latin

1. In the following text, underline the common Latin words and phrases. Do you know what they mean?

The claim for breach of contract fails inter alia to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause
of action, is uncertain as to what contract plaintiffs are suing on, and is uncertain in that it
cannot be determined whether the contract sued on is written, oral or implied by conduct. The
complaint alleges breach of contract as follows: “At all times herein mentioned, plaintiffs were a
part (sic) to the Construction Contract, as well as intended beneficiaries to each subcontract for
the constructions of the house. In light of the facts set above, defendants, and each of them, have
breached the Construction Contract.” On its face, the claim alleges only that the defendants
“breached the Construction Contract”. But LongCo is not a party to the Construction Contract per
se. Therefore LongCo cannot be liable for its breach. See e.g. GSI Enterprises, Inc. v. Warner
(1995).


2. Match each Latin word or expression with its English equivalent and its explanation.

Ad hoc

Thus (used after a word to indicate the original, usually incorrect, spelling or grammar in a text)

Et alii (et.al)

For example (used before one or more examples are given)

Et cetera (etc.)

For this purpose (often used as an adjective before a noun)

Exempli gratia (e.g.)

Against (versus is abbreviated to v. in case citations, but to vs. in all other instances)

Id est (i.e.)

And others (usually used shorten a list of people, often a list of authors, appellants or
defendants)

Per se

And other things of the same kind (used to shorten a list of similar items)

sic

By itself (often used after a noun to indicate the thing itself)

Versus (vs./v.)

That is (used to signal an explanation or paraphrase of a word preceding it)


3. Match each Latin term with its English equivalent

De facto

Among other things

Ipso facto

Per year

Inter alia

Number of shareholders or directors who have to be present at a board meeting so that it can be
validly conducted

Per annum

In fact

Pro forma

Of one’s own right, able to exercise one’s own legal rights

Pro rata

proportionally

quorum

By that fact itself

Sui iuris

As a matter of form

Ultra vires

As follows

Videlicet (viz)

Beyond the legal powers of a person or a body