Latin quote · Law
Res nullius
“Nobody’s thing.”
Legal term
Translation
What does “Res nullius” mean?
Res nullius translates as “Nobody’s thing.”
Some things belong to no one, such as wild animals or abandoned objects, and can become the property of whoever first takes them. The idea still matters in debates about the high seas, outer space and wildlife.
Origin
The story behind it
A concept of Roman property law linked to occupatio, the acquisition of ownerless things, later used and contested in international law.
When to use it
How to use “Res nullius”
A thought-provoking title for an essay on who owns the ocean or the Moon.
- Latin
- Res nullius
- English
- Nobody’s thing.
- Source
- Legal term
- Era
- Legal Latin
- Theme
- Law
Keep reading
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