Define: Praeteritio

Praeteritio
Praeteritio
Quick Summary of Praeteritio

In Roman law, praeteritio refers to intentionally excluding an heir from a will, which was generally not permitted and would render the will invalid. Sui heredes, on the other hand, denotes “one’s own heirs” or “direct heirs” in Latin. In the absence of a will, the property of the deceased would typically pass to their sui heredes, who were commonly their children or other immediate relatives.

Full Definition Of Praeteritio

Praeteritio, a term from Roman law, refers to the act of excluding an heir from a will. If someone intentionally omits one of their children from their will, it is an instance of praeteritio. In Roman law, excluding one’s own heirs (sui heredes) typically rendered the will invalid. This means that if a person does not include their direct heirs in their will, the will would not be considered legally binding. For instance, if someone has three children but only includes two of them in their will, the third child would be deemed as passed over and could potentially dispute the validity of the will.

Praeteritio FAQ'S

Praeteritio is a rhetorical device used in legal arguments where a speaker or writer mentions something by stating that they will not mention it, thus drawing attention to it indirectly.

Yes, praeteritio can be a valid legal argument if used effectively. It allows the speaker to bring attention to a particular point without directly stating it, often to emphasize its significance or to subtly influence the audience.

Praeteritio can be used in a legal context to highlight evidence or arguments that may be unfavorable to the opposing party without explicitly stating them. It can also be used to introduce potential counterarguments and preemptively address them.

While praeteritio can be a powerful rhetorical tool, it should be used with caution. It should not be used to mislead or deceive the audience, and the omitted information should still be relevant and supported by evidence.

Yes, praeteritio can be used in written legal documents such as briefs, motions, or legal opinions. It can help to structure the argument and make it more persuasive.

There are no specific legal precedents that directly address the use of praeteritio. However, courts generally evaluate legal arguments based on their logical coherence, relevance, and adherence to ethical standards.

Yes, praeteritio can be used in oral arguments during a trial. It can be an effective way to introduce or emphasize certain points without explicitly stating them, thus influencing the judge or jury.

While praeteritio itself is not unethical, its misuse can raise ethical concerns. It should not be used to manipulate or deceive the audience, and the omitted information should still be accurate and supported by evidence.

Yes, praeteritio can be used by both the prosecution and defence in a legal case. It is a rhetorical device that can be employed by any party to strengthen their argument or undermine the opposing party’s position.

To effectively use praeteritio, you should carefully select the information you choose to omit and ensure that it is relevant and supported by evidence. It is also important to maintain ethical standards and avoid misleading or deceiving the audience.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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