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 simply means perpetual remembrance of an event.
Illustration
For instance, if a document has this the term, it can be understood that it has a permanent and everlasting nature.
Case Law
In 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 and ors. [1904] A.C. 515, the Assembly concluded that the policies that have been agreed upon should be registered under the Acts of Kirks so that it will become ad perpetuam memoriam.
This maxim has been written and submitted by Ms. Navya Sony during her course of internship at B&B Associates LLP. Ms. Navya is a final year law student of Symbiosis Law School, Pune.