Legal Definitions - quasi

Definition: The word "quasi" comes from Latin and means "as if." It is used to describe something that is almost the same as something else, but not exactly. In law, "quasi" is used as a prefix or adjective to indicate that something is similar to something else, but with a critical difference.

For example, a "quasi-contract" is a legal term that describes a situation where there is no formal contract between two parties, but one party has acted in a way that creates an obligation to the other party. This obligation is not based on mutual agreement, but rather on the law or natural equity.

Another example is "quasi-community property," which is a legal term used in some states to describe property that is not technically community property (property acquired during marriage), but is treated as such for certain legal purposes.

These examples illustrate the definition of "quasi" because they both describe situations where something is similar to something else, but with a critical difference. In the case of a quasi-contract, the obligation is not based on mutual agreement, while in the case of quasi-community property, the property is not technically community property, but is treated as such for certain legal purposes.