Also known as: to the use
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An adverbial phrase from Law Latin denoting an intent to create a use for the benefit of another party.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Albert Allen conveyed land to Apollo Energy ad opus for the benefit of his niece. The niece later claimed the rents and profits. Apollo resisted, asserting outright ownership. The court enforced the use because the ad opus language showed Allen's intent to benefit the niece.
Aaron Adams conveyed an easement ad opus for the benefit of his adjacent farm. The farm's operator later sought to enforce the right. The servient owner denied the interest. The court upheld the use because the ad opus phrasing created enforceable rights in the farm's operator.
Anthony Arnold transferred recording equipment ad opus for the benefit of his production company. The company claimed sole rights to use the equipment. Arnold's heirs asserted retained ownership. The court recognized the use because the ad opus words showed intent to benefit the company.
Alfred Ashford conveyed a wheel ad opus for the benefit of a downstream buyer. The buyer later asserted rights in the item. Ashford's successors claimed the transfer was absolute. The court found a use because the ad opus language indicated benefit to the buyer.
Alexis Archer placed money in a fund ad opus for the benefit of taxpayers challenging federal spending. The taxpayers sought to control the fund. Archer's estate asserted outright ownership. The court enforced the use because the ad opus phrasing showed intent to benefit the taxpayers.
Audrey Ashton conveyed a right-of-way ad opus for the benefit of the railroad. The railroad later asserted its interest against the city. Ashton’s heirs claimed retained title. The court upheld the use because the ad opus words created rights in the railroad.
The phrase signals that the transferor intends the property to be held for the benefit of a third party rather than for the immediate grantee.
It is the historical Law Latin expression that created a use under which legal title was held for the benefit of another person.
…of debt in the county court of the county where the offence shall be committed, one-half to the informer and the other half to the use of the State." "And be it enacted that this act shall be in full force and effect from and after the first day of May next." In this case a sovereign State denies the obligation of a law…