De Jure
Literal meaning: “By law; by right.”
What does the Latin term "De Jure" mean in law?
De jure describes a state of affairs that exists as a result of formal legal action, statute, or official decree. De jure segregation, for example, refers to racial separation mandated by law, as opposed to de facto segregation resulting from private choices. A de jure corporation is one that has been properly organized in compliance with all statutory requirements. The distinction between de jure and de facto is legally significant: de jure discrimination is subject to strict scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause, while de facto discrimination may be more difficult to challenge constitutionally.
Source: General · Legal Latin
Legal Definition
De jure describes a state of affairs that exists as a result of formal legal action, statute, or official decree. De jure segregation, for example, refers to racial separation mandated by law, as opposed to de facto segregation resulting from private choices. A de jure corporation is one that has been properly organized in compliance with all statutory requirements. The distinction between de jure and de facto is legally significant: de jure discrimination is subject to strict scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause, while de facto discrimination may be more difficult to challenge constitutionally.
How It's Used
De jure is always used in contrast with de facto to describe something that has formal legal sanction. It appears frequently in constitutional law (segregation), corporate law (corporation formation), and international law (sovereign recognition).
Example Sentences
Brown v. Board of Education struck down de jure segregation — racial separation mandated by state law.
The entity was recognized as a de jure corporation because it had complied with all statutory formation requirements.
The distinction between de jure and de facto discrimination is critical to the equal protection analysis.