proprio motu

American  

[praw-pri-oh moh-too, proh-pree-oh moh-too] / ˈprɔ prɪˌoʊ ˈmoʊ tu, ˈproʊ priˌoʊ ˈmoʊ tu /

adverb

Latin.

1. by one's own volition; on one's own initiative.

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Example Sentences

The formulas put into the Pope's mouth by the Roman Chancery, “proprio motu” and “ex certâ scientiâ,” have been transmuted by the habit of twenty-four years into actual flesh and blood with him.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a common error that in all written constitutions the courts, particularly those of the United States, have proprio motu the power of declaring ultra vires any legislative act which infringes the principles of the Constitution.

From Project Gutenberg

In addition, the decisions of subordinate tribunals may be revised by a superior tribunal proprio motu, or reviewed in a proper case by the tribunal which has given them; and provision is made for the consultation of a superior by an inferior tribunal in cases of legal difficulty.

From Project Gutenberg

Scotland the courts of session and justiciary have, at common law, and exercise the power of punishing contempt committed during a judicial proceeding by censure, fine or imprisonment proprio motu without formal proceedings or a summary complaint.

From Project Gutenberg

A trader-debtor can be adjudicated bankrupt upon his own petition, or upon the petition of a creditor, or by the court itself proprio motu.

From Project Gutenberg