Inter Se

The term 'inter se' refers to matters that are relevant only to the parties involved among themselves, rather than to third parties. It is often used in contexts where the rights or obligations of those parties are considered only as they relate to one another.

Historically rooted in Roman law, the term has been adopted in various legal systems to clarify the scope of relationships and liabilities among co-parties. It signifies the internal dynamics of agreements or disputes.

In contemporary legal contexts, 'inter se' is frequently invoked in contractual disputes or matters of fiduciary duty, where the focus is on the relationship between the contracting parties. Additionally, it is used in equity to determine the rights of individuals within a group without the intervention of external factors.

• In a partnership dispute, the obligations and rights of partners are adjudicated inter se, meaning only among themselves.
• In a will, if a clause affects only the co-heirs, the interpretation of that clause is evaluated inter se among those heirs.

• R v. Roberts, 1921
• Barker v. St. Helens [1970]