uti possidetis

American  

[yoo-tahy pos-i-dee-tis] / ˈju 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

See Examples For:

uti possidetis

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

From The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Volume X (of 12) by Various

Then if this reasoning be true, why stipulate for the uti possidetis?

From Jefferson and His Colleagues; a chronicle of the Virginia dynasty by Allen Johnson

At a sort of peace congress, Hermocrates of Syracuse successfully urged all Sicilians to compose their quarrels on the basis of uti possidetis, and thus deprive the Athenians of any excuse for remaining.

From The World's Greatest Books — Volume 11 — Ancient and Mediæval History by Sir John Alexander Hammerton

The two powers despatched a joint note to Great Britain inviting her to make peace, on the principle of uti possidetis.

From The Political History of England - Vol XI From Addington's Administration to the close of William IV.'s Reign (1801-1837) by George C. (George Charles) Brodrick

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 William Milligan Sloane