Court Reporter Practice Exam

What does the term "de facto" mean?

1. in law

2. in practice

3. in theory

4. in writing

The correct answer is: in practice

The term "de facto" is used to describe a situation that exists in reality, even if it is not formally recognized by law or official regulations. It often refers to practices or conditions that are accepted or established in practice, rather than by legal or official means. For example, a "de facto standard" might emerge in a field when everyone follows a specific procedure or way of doing things, even though it hasn't been formally adopted as the legal standard. In contrast, the other terms pertain to different concepts. "In law" refers to formal legal aspects, "in theory" pertains to concepts or ideas that exist primarily in speculation or ideology, and "in writing" involves documentation or textual representation of information. Understanding "de facto" as "in practice" emphasizes the distinction between what is officially sanctioned and what occurs in everyday use or behavior.