uti possidetis

American  

[yoo-tahy pos-i-dee-tis] / ˈyu taɪ ˌpɒs ɪˈdi tɪs /

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.

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uti possidetis British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of uti possidetis

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

Example Sentences

The uti possidetis as regards territorial possession was recognized.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 5 "Hinduism" to "Home, Earls of" by Various

The doctrine of uti possidetis may yet play an important part.

From The American Indian as Participant in the Civil War by Abel, Annie Heloise

To stamp the success of the meeting, a joint letter was sent to George III, asking for peace on the principle of "uti possidetis."

From The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte Vol. III. (of IV.) by Sloane, William Milligan

In his address on the opening of the legislature he dwelt on Wellington's reverses in the peninsula, and offered peace to Great Britain on the old terms of "uti possidetis" in Spain.

From The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte Vol. III. (of IV.) by Sloane, William Milligan

Now, Spain had reached a different position, and Spinola himself required a far heavier expenditure than she was prepared for as the alternative to a peace on the uti possidetis basis.

From The World's Greatest Books — Volume 12 — Modern History by Hammerton, John Alexander, Sir