Court Reporter Practice Exam

In law, what is the primary significance of the term "de jure"?

1. Legally recognized

2. Enforced by police

3. Agreed upon by consensus

4. Implemented in practice

The correct answer is: Legally recognized

The term "de jure" originates from Latin, meaning "by law." Its primary significance lies in its association with what is legally recognized or sanctioned, in contrast to "de facto," which refers to situations that exist in practice, regardless of legal recognition. In a legal context, when a situation is described as "de jure," it implies that it has lawful backing and is officially accepted in the framework of legal systems. This term is often utilized to distinguish between what is legally established versus what may occur in reality but lacks formal recognition or enforcement. For example, a law might exist de jure, meaning it has been enacted and is supposed to be followed, while in reality, it might not be enforced or acknowledged by the people, leading to a de facto situation that differs from the de jure designation. Understanding "de jure" is crucial for anyone studying law, as it establishes the foundation for recognizing legal rights, responsibilities, and statuses that are officially acknowledged by the governing bodies.