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

Dictionary Entries Near uti possidetis

Cite this Entry

“Uti possidetis.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/uti%20possidetis. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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