What is nunc pro tunc?

Nunc Pro Tunc

Nunc pro tunc is a Latin phrase that means "now for then." It refers to an action taken by a court to correct a previous order or judgment, with retroactive effect. It's used to rectify clerical errors or omissions in the record, making it reflect what was originally intended to be done. It does not allow a court to change its mind or correct judicial errors; it's strictly for correcting records to align with the court's original intent.

Key aspects of nunc pro tunc include:

  • Purpose: To correct a clerical error or omission in the record. This can include things like misspelled names, incorrect dates, or inadvertently omitted clauses.

  • Retroactive Effect: The correction takes effect as if it had been made at the original time. This is important because it can preserve rights or validate actions that would otherwise be invalid due to the error.

  • Limitations: A nunc pro tunc order cannot be used to correct a judicial error or to change a court's decision. It is limited to correcting mistakes in the record that do not reflect the court's actual intention.

  • Examples: Common uses include correcting the date of a judgment to preserve appeal rights or amending a court order to include a provision that was originally intended but inadvertently left out.

  • Application: A party seeking a nunc pro tunc order must typically demonstrate that the error or omission exists and that the proposed correction accurately reflects the court's original intention.