res integra
/reːs ˈɪn.tɛ.ɡra/
noun phrase
Origin
Latin
res integra — an untouched thing
Overview
Meaning Now
- A matter, case, or question that has not yet been decided by a court or governed by existing legal precedent.
- A subject or situation that is completely new and entirely untouched.
Literal older meaning
an untouched thing
Language path
Latin → English
Earliest form
res integra
Earliest period
Classical Latin
Journey
The term is a cornerstone of Roman legal logic, distinguishing cases where specific legal precedents were not yet established. It requires the court to interpret the law from first principles rather than relying on stare decisis.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
res integra
“an untouched matter”
Used to denote a case that had not yet reached a verdict.
- Medieval Latin
res integra
“a matter not yet subject to legislation”
Maintained in canon and civil law tradition.
- Modern English
res integra
“a legal issue of first impression”
Adopted into common law as a technical term.
Connections
Word parts
res
root
thing/matter
integra
root
untouched/whole/intact
Related across languages
Italian
cosa integra
untouched thing
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.