Legal Definitions - pro tem

Definition: Pro Tem is a shortened version of the Latin phrase "Pro Tempore," which means "for the time being." It is used to describe someone who is temporarily serving in a particular role or position.

For example, a judge pro tem is a judge who is appointed or elected to serve temporarily in the absence, sickness, or disqualification of a regular judge. This means that the judge pro tem is not a permanent replacement for the regular judge, but rather a substitute who fills in for a short period of time.

Another example is an officer pro tem, who is authorized to perform the duties of a particular office for a limited time. This could happen if the regular officer is unavailable or unable to perform their duties for a short period of time.

These examples illustrate how the term pro tem is used to describe someone who is serving temporarily in a particular role or position. It is important to note that pro tem individuals are not permanent replacements, but rather substitutes who fill in for a limited time.