Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An adverbial phrase denoting action or effect that arises or continues at a later time rather than immediately. The phrase identifies obligations, interests, or consequences that become operative only after the moment of creation or occurrence.
Sources & Authorities· 10 primary sources
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Cases
Federal Rules
Uniform Acts
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Punitive Damages for Future Deterrence
Ira Irving's company deliberately dumped toxic waste near a residential area. After the jury found outrageous conduct, it awarded punitive damages to punish Ira and to deter him and others like him from similar conduct in the future.
Future Interest in Donative Transfer
Israel Irving conveyed Blackacre to his daughter for life, remainder to his grandson. The grandson received a future interest that did not entitle him to possession until his mother's death.
Self-Defense Against Serious Harm
Igor Ito faced an attacker wielding a knife. He used force that he knew could cause permanent loss of function to an important organ, conduct that the law treats as likely to produce serious bodily harm.
Ideal Solutions held a mortgage on a farm. During the Depression the state extended the redemption period, postponing the mortgagee's right to foreclose until economic conditions improved.
Home Building & Loan Association v. Blaisdell290 U.S. 398, 54 S.Ct. 231, 78 L.Ed. 413 (1934)
Eminent Domain for Future Development
Ivy Investments owned waterfront parcels. The city condemned the land for a planned economic redevelopment project that would not be completed for several years.
Kelo, et al. v. City of New London545 U.S. 469, 503 (2005)
Permanent Physical Occupation by Cable
Inertia Dynamics owned an apartment building. The city authorized a cable company to install equipment that would remain attached to the building indefinitely.
Loretto v. Teleprompter Manhattan CATV Corp.458 U.S. 419, 427 (1982)
Common questions
Frequently Asked
3
How does the phrase in futuro differ from in praesenti?+
In futuro identifies rights or effects that arise only at a later time. In praesenti identifies rights or effects that arise immediately upon the act creating them.
Supporting sources
Which covenants in a warranty deed operate in futuro?+
The covenants of quiet enjoyment and warranty run with the land and protect the grantee against future breaches. The covenants of seizin and right to convey are broken, if at all, at the moment of conveyance.
Supporting sources
Why do punitive damages address conduct in futuro?+
Punitive damages punish outrageous conduct and deter the defendant and others from repeating similar acts later. The award therefore looks forward to future behavior rather than merely compensating past injury.
410 U.S. 113 (1973)Constitutional Law
…from normal sexual relations or of endangering Mary Doe's health through a possible pregnancy." Their claim is that sometime in the future Mrs. Doe might become pregnant because of possible failure of contraceptive measures, and at that time in the future she might want an abortion that might then be illegal under the Texas…