Locus Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Locus?

(n) Locus is the place or venue or location identifiable, where an event under reference is occurred . The Latin word ‘low-cuss’ mean the place.

History and Meaning of Locus

Locus is a Latin term that translates to "place" or "location." In the legal context, it refers to the specific location where an event or incident occurred. The concept of locus has been used in legal proceedings for centuries and is a fundamental element of many legal cases. In common law systems, the principle of forum non-conveniens (meaning "inconvenient forum") allows a court to decline jurisdiction if it determines that another forum — that is, another court — is better suited to hear the case due to convenience or location.

Examples of Locus

  1. In a personal injury case, the plaintiff may need to prove that the accident occurred at a specific locus, such as a particular intersection or on a certain stretch of road.
  2. In a criminal trial, the prosecution must establish that the crime occurred within the locus of the court's jurisdiction.
  3. In a contract dispute, the place where the contract was formed or executed may be the locus that determines which law applies to the dispute.
  4. In a divorce case, the locus could be the place where the parties were married or where they currently reside.

Legal Terms Similar to Locus

  1. Forum non-conveniens: A legal doctrine that allows a court to dismiss a case if another court is better situated to hear it.
  2. Venue: The geographic location where a case is heard in court.
  3. Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear and make judgments on legal cases within a specific geographic area.