Ipso facto facts for kids
"Ipso facto" is a Latin phrase that means "by the fact itself." It's used to explain that something happens automatically because of an action, without needing another step or decision. Think of it as a direct result or a natural consequence of something that just happened.
This phrase is often used in subjects like philosophy, law, and science. It helps describe situations where an action immediately leads to a certain outcome. It's different from saying "by itself" or "per se," which just mean something is true on its own.
You might also find "ipso facto" in books and scholarly writings. For example, in a play by Christopher Marlowe, a character named Faustus signs away his life. Because of that action, he is "ipso facto" (by the fact itself) unable to change his mind later. Another example from George Orwell's book talks about how some people think every homeless person "ipso facto" (automatically) must be a bad person. It's also used in old religious writings, like "If a man sells a house, he ipso facto sells with it the door," meaning the door is included automatically with the house.
What "Ipso Facto" Means in Rules and Laws
In some systems of rules, like the canon law of the Catholic Church, "ipso facto" describes something that happens automatically. This means a certain result takes place right away, without anyone needing to make a special decision or announcement.
For example, in Catholic Church law, the phrase latae sententiae is often used. This phrase is very similar to "ipso facto." It means that a penalty or consequence happens automatically when someone does a specific action. No judge or church leader needs to say "you are now penalized." The action itself causes the consequence to happen immediately.
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