Word of the Week

In rem

Latin (literally, "directed at the thing"). The phrase describes the fundamental character of a legal proceeding as focused on a particular piece of property rather than a person. In an "in rem action" the plaintiff generally seeks judgment declaring the status or disposition of certain property. In rem actions are often brought by the government, and you can always spot one from the case name; for example: United States v. Ten Bottles of Scotch Whisky, 48 F.(2d) 545 (C. C. A. 2d. 1931). But be careful: sometimes the property sues back, as in Three Half-Pipes of Brandy vs. United States (1858).