New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What does ipso facto mean?

1. By legal rights granted by the state

2. By mere effect of an act or a fact

3. Due to external circumstances beyond control

4. As determined by a jury decision

The correct answer is: By mere effect of an act or a fact

The term "ipso facto" derives from Latin, meaning "by the fact itself." It is used in legal contexts to indicate that something is inherent to the situation without the need for further evidence or reasoning. In this case, the correct choice reflects that ipso facto signifies that a condition or situation arises automatically as a result of an action or fact, without needing additional factors or considerations. For instance, if a law states that individuals found guilty of a crime are ipso facto disqualified from holding public office, it means that their guilt alone, without any other requirement, automatically results in their disqualification. This intrinsic relationship emphasizes the direct consequence of an action that aligns perfectly with the definition provided in the choice. Other options may introduce unrelated concepts or requirements that ipso facto does not encompass, such as legal rights or external circumstances.