Texas Court Reporter Practice Exam

What is the term for legal shorthand that means "in absence"?

1. In absentia

2. In extremis

3. Ipso facto

4. Ex parte

The correct answer is: In absentia

The term "in absentia" is used in legal contexts to refer to a situation in which a person is not present, particularly in relation to legal proceedings. When someone is said to be tried or sentenced in absentia, it means that the legal action is taking place without their physical presence, which can occur for various reasons, such as the individual being unavailable or fleeing from the jurisdiction of the court. The other terms, while they are all Latin phrases used in legal discourse, have different meanings. "In extremis" refers to being in extreme circumstances or at the point of death, commonly used in discussions about medical decisions or life support. "Ipso facto" means by the fact itself, indicating that something happens as a direct consequence of a specified fact. "Ex parte" refers to a legal proceeding or motion brought by one party in the absence of and without representation or notification of other parties, typically used to describe actions taken for the benefit of one party alone. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the nuances of legal language and the contexts in which these terms are applied.