Qui tacet consentire videtur
Qui tacet consentire videtur: Latin maxim: "He who is silent appears to consent." It expresses a general idea, not a binding rule. In contract law, silence counts as acceptance only in narrow situations, such as when a person keeps offered benefits or past dealings make silence a reasonable sign of assent (Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 69).
What qui tacet consentire videtur means
In practice, you will see qui tacet consentire videtur in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where qui tacet consentire videtur 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: Silent acquiescence.
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 qui tacet consentire videtur 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 current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Protective order: a court order limiting discovery to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense.
- Public: belonging to, or concerning, the people as a whole or the government.
- Public debt: the money the federal government owes on Treasury bills, notes, bonds and other securities it issues to borrow. Chapter 31 of Title 31 governs it, and 31 U.S.C. § 3123 pledges the faith of the United States to pay principal and interest on those obligations.
- Quash: to void or set aside, such as a subpoena or an indictment. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45(d)(3), the court must quash or modify a subpoena that, for example, fails to allow a reasonable time to comply or subjects a person to undue burden.
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.