Nunc pro tunc
Nunc pro tunc: Latin for "now for then." A court order that takes effect as of an earlier date, often to correct the record so it reflects what actually happened.
What nunc pro tunc means
Put simply, nunc pro tunc 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 nunc pro tunc comes up
For example, the term appears in these procedures:
- Motion to Correct a Clerical Mistake (Fed. R. Civ. P. 60(a)): a request to fix a clerical mistake, or a mistake arising from oversight or omission, in a judgment, order or other part of the record.
How to research the term
First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses nunc pro tunc in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.
You can read the official rule text online for free.
Related legal terms
- Not guilty: a plea that denies the charge and requires the government to prove guilt at trial. It is also the verdict when the prosecution does not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In federal court, if a defendant refuses to enter a plea, the court must enter a plea of not guilty (Fed. R. Crim. P. 11(a)(4)).
- Notary: a notary public, a public officer commissioned by a state to witness signatures, confirm the identity of signers, take acknowledgments and administer oaths.
- Notice: information about a fact, a claim or a proceeding.
- Notice of appeal: the document that starts an appeal.
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.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.