Legal Definitions - facto

Definition: facto (fak-toh), adj. In or by the fact. See DE FACTO; IPSO FACTO.

Explanation: The term facto means that something is true or exists because of a certain fact. It is often used in legal contexts to describe something that is true in practice, even if it is not officially recognized.

Example: A de facto relationship is one where a couple lives together as if they are married, but they are not legally married. In this case, the fact that they live together and act as a couple makes their relationship a de facto one.

Example: Ipso facto means "by the fact itself." For example, if someone is convicted of a crime, they may ipso facto lose certain rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm.