Nunc pro tunc – Legal Maxim of the Day

century law firm legal maxim nunc pro tunc

Term- nunc pro tunc

Translation- now for then

Definition- An action by a court to correct a previous procedural or clerical error.

Nunc pro tunc is a Latin term that means “now for then.” In legal contexts, it refers to the ability of a court to retroactively make an order or entry that is effective as of a date in the past.

For example, if a court fails to enter a judgment on a particular date, it may issue an order nunc pro tunc, which would make the judgment effective as of the original date, even though it was not formally entered at that time. Similarly, if a court fails to include an important detail in an order, it may issue an amended order nunc pro tunc, which would make the order effective as of the original date, but with the new detail included.

The use of nunc pro tunc orders is limited to situations where the court is correcting an error or omission in its records, and where the retroactive order does not prejudice the rights of any party involved. Nunc pro tunc orders are not meant to be used to change the substance of an earlier order, or to create new rights or obligations that did not exist at the time.

Overall, nunc pro tunc is a legal term that allows a court to retroactively make an order or entry that is effective as of a date in the past. It is a tool used to correct errors or omissions in court records, and is limited to situations where the retroactive order does not prejudice the rights of any party involved.