Seriatim meaning

Seriatim means in a series or sequentially in Latin.


Seriatim definitions

Word backwards mitaires
Part of speech The word "seriatim" is an adverb.
Syllabic division se-ri-a-tim
Plural The plural of the word "seriatim" is "seriatim." It is an adverb that means "in a series" or "one after another."
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) e,i,a
Consonants (4) s,r,t,m

When discussing legal or judicial matters, the term seriatim often comes up. This Latin term translates to "in a series" in English and refers to a method of delivering a court's opinion in which each judge writes a separate opinion on the case.

Origin of Seriatim

The practice of issuing opinions seriatim dates back to early English common law and was common in the United States during the 19th century. This method allows each judge or justice to express their individual views on a case, providing transparency into the decision-making process.

Characteristics of Seriatim Opinions

One key characteristic of seriatim opinions is that they are written and delivered separately by each participating judge. This allows for a detailed exploration of the legal issues at hand and provides insights into the judges' reasoning behind their decisions. Additionally, seriatim opinions often include separate majority and dissenting opinions, highlighting differing perspectives on the case.

Use in Modern Legal Systems

While the practice of delivering opinions seriatim has become less common in modern legal systems, it still occurs in some instances. In the United States, for example, the Supreme Court occasionally issues seriatim opinions when the justices are deeply divided on a case. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of the legal issues and the various interpretations of the law.

Overall, the use of seriatim opinions provides a valuable glimpse into the complexities of the judicial process. By allowing each judge to express their individual viewpoint, this method promotes transparency and a deeper understanding of the legal reasoning behind court decisions.


Seriatim Examples

  1. The judge read the evidence seriatim, examining each piece carefully.
  2. The report was presented seriatim, addressing each point in order.
  3. The novel was written seriatim, with each chapter building upon the last.
  4. The students were asked to solve the math problems seriatim, one after the other.
  5. The tasks were completed seriatim, following a specific sequence.
  6. The items on the agenda were discussed seriatim, starting from the top.
  7. The steps in the recipe were listed seriatim, making it easy to follow.
  8. The cases were reviewed seriatim, with each one receiving equal attention.
  9. The projects were assigned seriatim, ensuring each team had a fair workload.
  10. The questions on the exam were answered seriatim, without skipping any.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 02/05/2024 - 17:12:03