uti possidetis

[ yoo-tahy pos-i-dee-tis ]

noun

, International Law.

1. the principle that vests in either of the belligerents at the end of a war all territory actually occupied and controlled by them.

uti possidetis

/ ˈjuːtaɪ ˌpɒsɪˈdiːtɪs /

noun

1. international law the rule that territory and other property remains in the hands of the belligerent state actually in possession at the end of a war unless otherwise provided for by treaty

Word History and Origins

Origin of uti possidetis¹

From Latin utī possidētis literally, “as you possess, as you hold”

Word History and Origins

Origin of uti possidetis¹

from Latin, literally: as you possess

Example Sentences

I confess I should dread a negotiation for a general peace at this time, because I should expect propositions for short truces, uti possidetis, and other conditions, which would leave our trade more embarrassed, 63 our union more precarious, and our liberties at greater hazard, than they can be in a continuance of the war, at the same time it would put us to as constant, and almost as great an expense.

From Project Gutenberg

The uti possidetis as regards territorial possession was recognized.

From Project Gutenberg

Nominally a truce for 25 years on the uti possidetis basis, Peace of Karlowitz. the peace of Karlowitz left in the emperor’s hands the whole of Hungary except Syrmia and the territory lying between the rivers Maros, Theiss, Danube and the mountains of Transylvania, the so-called Temesk�z, or about one-eleventh of the modern kingdom.

From Project Gutenberg

The Minister concluded the conference by observing, that a great object was to secure the United States from the proposition of uti possidetis; that the surest 483 way to obtain that end was to reduce the English to confess, that they are not able to conquer them.

From Project Gutenberg

That the mediators might propose the uti possidetis as the basis of the negotiation.

From Project Gutenberg