General Legal · Legal Maxim

De Jure

Translation: of right; lawfully

Quick Answer

What does the legal maxim "De Jure" mean?

The term 'De Jure' refers to something that is lawful or in accordance with the law. It distinguishes between what the law prescribes and what actually exists in practice.

Source: General Legal · Legal Maxim

Definition

The term 'De Jure' refers to something that is lawful or in accordance with the law. It distinguishes between what the law prescribes and what actually exists in practice.

Origin

The phrase 'De Jure' originates from Latin, where it historically served to delineate enacted rights and privileges from those of a more factual or social nature, often encapsulated in the term 'De Facto'.

Modern Application

'De Jure' is applied in various areas of law, particularly in constitutional law and property law, to describe legally recognized rights or statuses. For example, a 'de jure' government is one that is recognized by law, contrasting with a 'de facto' government that may hold power without legal legitimacy.

Examples
  • A de jure statute that formalizes a new legal right or duty.
  • De jure segregation, which refers to racially segregated public facilities mandated by law.
Key Cases
  • Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954)
Why This Matters

Understanding 'De Jure' is crucial for law students as it helps distinguish between legally recognized systems and those that exist in practice, enriching their comprehension of legal rights and structures.

Master Legal Principles with Briefly

Explore hundreds of legal maxims, terms, and doctrines with AI-powered study tools.