In Terrorem - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition in-terrorem

Definition :

In terrorem (by way of terrifying). Where a condition which the law will not carry out is attached to a gift or a legacy without a gift over, as where a legacy otherwise lawful is left so that it shall be avoided upon the happening of a condition such as disputing the will, this condition is said to be in terrorem only, and is void.

In terrorem, invoking fear or terror. 'We consider (that) a therapeutic, rather than 'in terrorem' outlook should prevail in our criminal courts'. [Md. Giasuddin v. State of Andhra Pradesh, AIR 1977 SC 1926 (1929), para 9]. (Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer