Legal Definitions - viis et modis

Definition: Viis et modis (vI-is et moh-dis) is a Latin term used in Ecclesiastical law, meaning "by all ways and means." In ecclesiastical courts, service of a decree or citation viis et modis is equivalent to substituted service in temporal courts. It requires posting of a notice where a person is likely to be found. This type of service is contrasted with personal service.

For example, if a person is being sued in an ecclesiastical court and cannot be located for personal service, the court may order service viis et modis. This means that a notice will be posted in a public place where the person is likely to see it, such as their workplace or a community center.

Another example is if a church wants to notify its members of an upcoming meeting but does not have contact information for everyone. The church may use viis et modis by posting a notice in a public area of the church or sending a notice through the mail.

These examples illustrate how viis et modis allows for alternative methods of service when personal service is not possible or practical.