Legal Maxim 

Explanation 

Actionable per se 

Punishable act without proof of damage required 

Ad hoc 

For the particular end or case at hand 

Bona fide 

In good faith 

De facto 

In fact 

De jure 

By law 

Certiorari 

Writ to quash orders by an inferior court 

Ex officio 

By virtue of the office held 

Habeas corpus 

Writ to ensure lawful detention 

In lieu of 

Instead of 

In status quo 

In the current state 

Persona non grata 

Unwelcome person 

Suo Moto 

The action initiated by a court or an authority on its own accord, without any external petition or request.