Legal Definitions - per quod

Term: PER QUOD
Definition: Per quod is a Latin term that means "by which" or "through which." It is used in legal language to refer to a statement or fact that is not actionable on its own but becomes so when combined with other facts or circumstances.
Example: In a defamation case, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant made a false statement that caused harm. If the statement alone is not defamatory, the plaintiff may use a per quod claim by showing how the statement, when combined with other facts, caused harm.
Explanation: The example illustrates how per quod is used in a legal context to establish a cause of action. The false statement alone may not be enough to prove defamation, but when combined with other facts, it becomes actionable. Per quod allows the plaintiff to connect the statement to the harm caused.