Latin Blog 7: Prima Facie; Pro Rata; Per Se

Product Details

LATIN BLOG 7: Understanding Latin Phrases Used in Everyday Language

Andrew Yiannakis,  Ph.D.
Research Professor
University of New Mexico

In this series of blogs I shall be covering over thirty Latin phrases that are used in everyday language.

LATIN BLOG 7 includes the terms:

i. Prima Facie
ii.  Pro Rata
iii.  Per Se

1. PRIMA  FACIE

True, valid, or sufficient at first look,  or first impression;  self evident at first glance.

In law,  the prima facie evidence is legally sufficient to establish a fact or a case,  until it’s disproved.

Examples
A prima facie case of tax fraud,  meaning that the initial evidence is indicative of possible tax fraud.  However,  it may still need to be proven with more robust evidence.

2. PRO RATA (adjective)

According to a certain rate. Proportionately determined.

Example:  A pro-rata share of the income.
That is,  a share of the income that’s based on a certain rate.

3. PER SE

By, of, for, in itself, as such.

Example:   This candidate is not a pacifist per se, but he is in favor of peaceful solutions when available.

Unknown's avatar

Author: andrewyiannakis

Andrew Yiannakis, Ph.D., is currently a Research Professor at the University of New Mexico (USA). He is also Professor Emeritus from the University of Connecticut where he taught the Sociology of Leisure, Tourism & Sport, as well as Research Methods and Computer Applications. He also holds the rank of 8th Dan in Traditional Jujutsu and a 6th Dan in Traditional Kodokan Judo. He is the Director of the Institute of Traditional Martial Arts at the University of New Mexico. He is also the Chair of the Traditional Jujutsu Committee of the USJJF. As an amateur historian, he has led several expeditions to Greece to conduct research at Thermopylae, and locate the path the Persians used in 480 BC to encircle, and defeat King Leonidas and the Greek allies. Prof. Yiannakis has published extensively in a number of areas.

Leave a comment