Locus poenitentiae: Meaning, Explanation, Examples & Case Laws

Literal meaning	Place for repentance
Pronunciation	LOH-kus pen-ih-TEN-shee-eye

A chance to change one's mind before the act is complete or before the law gets involved.

Example

A person who prepares to commit an offence can still turn back before it reaches the stage of attempt.

Case laws

Bipinchandra Jaisinghbhai Shah v. Prabhavati (1957), Supreme Court: a spouse who has deserted can end the desertion by making a genuine offer to return, before divorce proceedings start.

Exam tip

Asked in criminal law (attempt) and family law (desertion).

Memory trick

Time to repent.

Key takeaway

Locus poenitentiae is the room to change one's mind.