De novo

What de novo means

Put simply, de novo is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.

Where de novo comes up

The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.

Read the source: Standard of review.

How to research the term

Start with the primary source. For example, if de novo appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read de novo in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.

You can read the current federal court rules online for free.

Related legal terms

• CUSIP: a nine-character code that identifies a specific stock, bond or other security in the United States and Canada, used for trading, clearing and settlement. CUSIP numbers are assigned by CUSIP Global Services when a security is issued. They are not assigned to birth certificates, court cases or personal identities.
• Damages: money awarded to compensate for a loss or injury.
• De facto: latin for "in fact." Describes something that exists or operates in practice, whether or not it is lawful. The de facto officer doctrine keeps the official acts of a person holding office under color of title valid even if the appointment later proves defective (Ryder v. United States, 515 U.S. 177, 180 (1995)).
• De jure: latin for "by law." Describes something that exists by right or by lawful authority, such as a lawfully elected official or a legally established government, as opposed to one that exists only in fact (de facto).

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.