Legal Definitions - pro non scripto

Definition: Pro non scripto (proh non skrip-toh) is a Latin term that means "as not written" or "as though it had not been written." This phrase is usually used in reference to testamentary conditions that a court would disregard because the conditions were impossible, illegal, or meaningless.

Example: If a person's will includes a condition that their heirs must jump over the moon to inherit their estate, the court would consider this condition pro non scripto because it is impossible to fulfill.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a condition in a will can be considered pro non scripto if it is impossible to fulfill. In this case, the court would disregard the condition and distribute the estate according to other provisions in the will or state law.