Texas Court Reporter Practice Exam

Which phrase indicates that something is happening after a previous event in legal documentation?

1. Pro forma

2. Ex ante

3. Post hoc

4. Prior to

The correct answer is: Post hoc

The phrase "Post hoc" is derived from Latin, meaning "after this" or "after the event." In legal documentation, it is used to denote that one event occurred after another. This is particularly important in establishing a timeline of events, where the sequence can affect legal interpretations, outcomes, or implications. By using "post hoc," legal professionals clearly indicate that a certain action or event takes place following another, which is essential for understanding causality and legal arguments. Recognizing the distinct meanings of other phrases helps clarify why "post hoc" is the most suitable choice. For instance, "pro forma" refers to something done as a formality rather than to create any substantive effect, which does not convey a temporal relationship. "Ex ante" means "before the event" and is used to describe situations or analyses that precede the actual occurrence of events, thus opposing the concept of something happening after. "Prior to" explicitly indicates something that happens before a certain point in time, further solidifying "post hoc" as the only option that conveys an event occurring after another.