Legal Definitions - ore tenus

Definition: Ore tenus is a Latin term that means "by word of mouth" or "verbally." It is used to describe something that is presented or accepted as true based on oral testimony rather than written evidence. Example: In a court of law, a witness may give ore tenus testimony about what they saw or heard. This means that they are giving their testimony verbally, rather than submitting a written statement. Another example of ore tenus testimony could be a student explaining to their teacher why they were absent from class. If the student does not have a written note from a parent or doctor, they may be required to give ore tenus testimony to explain their absence. These examples illustrate how ore tenus is used to describe situations where information is presented verbally, rather than in writing. It emphasizes the importance of oral testimony and the role it plays in certain contexts, such as legal proceedings or academic settings.