from-the-latin
Latin expression for the advantage of being possession of disputed goods in a civil suit?
<p>Some time ago I saw (In fact it might have been in a comic, possibly Zits.) an expression/proverb that basically said that being in possession of disputed goods meant that a civil lawsuit/quarrel was almost won before it had begun. Anyone know what idiom I am talking about and can remind me?</p>

<p>NB: I am not sure if it was in English or Latin. If possible I would prefer a Latin answer.</p>

<p>Edit: after learning about this nine-tenths idiom I found two similar latin expressions, <em>possidetis, ita possideatis</em> and <em>qui tenet teneat, qui dolet doleat</em>. Are there more or better latin expressions I should be aware of?</p>

<p>The only expression I'm aware of is: <strong><em>possession is nine-tenths of the law</em></strong>.</p>

<p>This expression does not hold up literally; <em>title</em> is much stronger evidence than possession.</p>

<p><em>Uti possidetis, ita possideatis</em> is a principle of <strong>international law</strong>. This applies to relations between sovereign states, rather than private individuals. It relates to the acquisition of territory following conflict.</p>

<p><em>Qui tenet teneat, qui dolet doleat</em> is a different matter - although it's a reasonably well-known Latin expression, it's not been used in law <a href="http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/lawyearbooks/display.php?id=327" rel="nofollow">since 1286</a>.</p>

<p>Although these Latin expressions exist, they don't really hold any legal force, and I wouldn't try to use them in a court. They're good for impressing friends at a party, though.</p>
