Legal Definitions - de plano

Definition: De plano (dee play-noh) is a Latin term that means "from ground level." It has several meanings:

1. Roman law: Informally; in a summary manner. For example, the praetor would administer justice de plano when he stood on the same level with the parties instead of sitting on an elevated bench.
2. Historical: Clearly; manifestly. For example, de bigamis means "clearly about bigamy."
3. Historical: By collusion.
4. Scots law: Forthwith.

For instance, in Roman law, de plano was used to describe how the praetor would administer justice when he stood on the same level with the parties instead of sitting on an elevated bench. This means that the praetor would handle the case informally and in a summary manner. In historical context, de bigamis means "clearly about bigamy," which means that the matter is evident and requires no further explanation.