uti possidetis

noun

uti pos·si·de·tis

ˈyü-tī-ˌpä-sə-ˈdē-təs, ˈü-tē-ˌpȯ-sē-ˈdā-tēs

: a principle in international law that recognizes a peace treaty between parties as vesting each with the territory and property under its control unless otherwise stipulated

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, as you (now) possess (it); from the wording of an interdict in Roman law enjoining both parties in a suit to maintain the status quo until the decision

Cite this Entry

Style

“Uti possidetis.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/uti%20possidetis. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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