Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A preposition indicating that a stated date is approximate rather than exact. It is used especially with ancient or uncertain dates to convey that the event occurred around the specified time.
Sources & Authorities· 38 primary sources
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Cases
Statutes
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Reputation Testimony Date
Cecilia Cabrera offered testimony that Cody Callahan enjoyed a reputation for honesty in the community circa 2015. The court permitted the opinion evidence under the applicable character-evidence rule and allowed cross-examination into specific instances of conduct around that period.
Officer Reporting Obligation
Caleb Chang, an officer at Cascade Manufacturing, learned of a material corporate development circa March 2022. He promptly informed the board committee to which he reported, satisfying the duty to disclose information within the scope of his functions.
Cynthia Cortez created a dangerous situation circa 2019 through her own reckless conduct. When she later claimed justification for choosing between harms, the defense was unavailable because her recklessness in bringing about the situation precluded the justification.
Confidential Government Information
Curtis Cannon, formerly a public employee, acquired confidential government information about Caitlin Crowley circa 2018. He was later barred from representing a private client whose interests were adverse to Crowley in a matter where the information could cause material disadvantage.
Intentional Offensive Contact
Crown Pharmaceuticals employee Cody Callahan intentionally caused offensive bodily contact to a coworker circa 2021. Even though he did not intend the resulting harm, he remained liable for battery under the applicable tort rule.
Trustee Information Duty
Crystal Dynamics served as trustee and learned of material facts affecting the trust circa 2020. It promptly informed the qualified beneficiaries so they could protect their interests, fulfilling the obligation to keep them reasonably informed.
Common questions
Frequently Asked
1
When should a writer use circa instead of an exact date in legal documents?+
Use circa when the precise date is unknown or uncertain but an approximate time can be established from the evidence. The term signals that the stated date is not exact.
Supporting sources
410 U.S. 113 (1973)Constitutional Law
…The Court has recognized that some state regulation in areas protected by that right is appropriate. Pp. 154-155. (c) Prior to approximately the first trimester of pregnancy the attending physician, in consultation with his patient, is free to determine, without regulation by the State, that, in his medical judgment, the…