Texas Court Reporter Practice Exam

In legal terminology, which word suggests that something has already occurred or been accomplished?

1. Ex post facto

2. A priori

3. Factum

4. As is

The correct answer is: Ex post facto

The term that suggests that something has already occurred or been accomplished is "ex post facto." In legal contexts, "ex post facto" refers to laws or actions that apply retroactively, meaning they are applied to events that took place before the enactment of the law. This concept is primarily used in constitutional law, where ex post facto laws are prohibited in criminal law due to the principle of fairness; individuals should not be punished for actions that were not illegal at the time they were committed. The other terms do not convey the same sense of something being past or accomplished. "A priori" refers to knowledge or justification that is independent of experience, not suggesting completion. "Factum" generally refers to a fact or deed, but does not inherently suggest that an action has been completed. "As is" refers to the current condition or state of something without any warranties or guarantees but doesn't imply that anything has been finalized or accomplished in a legal context.