Ad Perpetuam Rei Memoriam

Literal Meaning

The perpetual memory of the matter.

Origin

Latin

Explanation

This maxim was generally used in Roman Documents. It’s written at the end of the document to show that it is “permanent” and “trustworthy”. It’s also used in depositions to preserve the event. . It applied to depositions taken into preserved the testimony of the deponent. It used to serve as a permanent documentary record of a fact, settlement of a dispute. In simple terms, it means the everlasting remembrance of a thing or event.

Illustration

For instance, if a document has this the term, it can be understood that it has a permanent and everlasting nature.

If a text contains this maxim Ad perpetuam rei memoriam, it will clearly shows that it is showing the preserving nature of text or permanent documentary record of the text.

Case Law

Richter vs. Union Trust Company, 115 U.S. 55 (1885)

Chief Justice Waite held that “Any circuit court, upon application to it as a court of equity, may, according to the usages of chancery, direct depositions to be taken in perpetuam rei memoriam, if they relate to any matter that may be cognizable in any court of the United States”.

The general assembly of free Church of Scotland and Ors. vs. Lord Overtoun & ors 

In this case the Assembly has concluded that the Buck of Policies agreed upon in diverse Assemblies before should be registered in the Acts of the Kirk, and to stay there ad perpetuam rei memoriam.

Also Read: Animus Nocendi