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Example
Case laws
Comparison table
Opposite / Related
Exam tip
Memory trick
Key takeaway
De facto
| Literal meaning | In fact |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | day FAK-toh |
Existing in fact, even if not backed by legal right.
Example
A person who in practice runs a school, though his appointment was never legally approved, is the de facto head.
Case laws
- Gokaraju Rangaraju v. State of A.P. (1981), Supreme Court: acts of a judge appointed in a defective way remain valid, because he acted as a de facto judge in good faith.
Comparison table
| Basis | De facto | De jure |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | In fact | In law |
| Legal right? | Not necessarily | Yes |
| Example | A person who acts as an officer without proper appointment | A properly appointed officer |
Exam tip
Asked as de facto vs de jure and the de facto doctrine.
Memory trick
De facto = what is happening; de jure = what is lawful.
Key takeaway
De facto describes what exists in fact, whether or not lawful.
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