Ipso Facto Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Ipso Facto, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Ipso Facto?

It’s a Latin phrase meaninf ” by the very fact” or ” by the fact itself”. In law, it operates on the basis of the obvious facts that is followed on happening of certain event.

History and Meaning of Ipso Facto

The term “ipso facto” is Latin for “by that very fact itself”. In law, ipso facto refers to a legal consequence that occurs automatically as a result of a specific act or event. This means that a certain legal result follows an event or circumstance, regardless of the intention or fault of the parties involved.

Examples of Ipso Facto

Here are a few examples that illustrate the concept of ipso facto:

  • If a company files for bankruptcy, ipso facto clauses in its contracts might trigger the automatic termination of those contracts.
  • In some jurisdictions, if a person is convicted of a felony, it can result in ipso facto revocation of their professional license, such as a doctor or lawyer.
  • If a tenant breaches a lease agreement, ipso facto clauses might allow the landlord to immediately terminate the lease and evict the tenant.
  • Some law enforcement agencies have ipso facto policies that require officers to undergo drug testing after a shooting incident, regardless of whether there is any suspicion of drug use.

Legal Terms Similar to Ipso Facto

Here are a few related legal terms:

  • Ex facto: Latin for “from a thing done afterward”. Legal consequences arising from events that occur after the fact.
  • Ex post facto: Latin for “after the fact”. A law that retroactively changes the legal consequences of actions that were taken before the law was passed.
  • Force majeure: A legal provision that excuses a party from performing their contractual obligations due to unforeseeable circumstances that are beyond their control.
  • Termination for convenience: A clause in a contract that allows one party to terminate the agreement without cause, as long as they provide reasonable notice to the other party.
  • Automatic stay: In bankruptcy law, a court order that automatically stops certain actions, such as collection efforts, against the debtor.