Also known as: vis a vis · vis-à-vis · with respect to · regarding
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A relational preposition used to indicate the position or comparison of one party or matter with respect to another.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Victor Vargas and Veronica Varela discussed robbing a bank and each agreed to carry out a specific role. Their shared understanding vis-a-vis the criminal objective established the meeting of guilty minds required for conspiracy liability under the common law rule.
The President must periodically inform Congress about national conditions and propose legislation he deems necessary. These obligations vis-a-vis the legislative branch flow directly from the constitutional text governing executive communications and law execution.
Vera Vargas and Virgil Vaughn asserted rights to relief arising from the identical series of defective product sales by the same manufacturer. Their claims vis-a-vis the defendant satisfied the transaction requirement for permissive joinder under the federal rule.
Victor Vargas offered testimony in a federal civil case governed by state law on the underlying claim. His competency vis-a-vis that claim was therefore controlled by state rules rather than the default federal standard.
Veronica Villanueva was charged with an offense that required proof of a specific mental state regarding each material element. Her conduct vis-a-vis those elements had to be shown as purposeful, knowing, reckless, or negligent under the model code provision.
Viktor Voronin received settlement proceeds in which both his client and a third-party lienholder held interests. His obligations vis-a-vis those parties required prompt notification and delivery of the funds under the professional conduct rule.
It functions as a concise way to signal the relational stance of one party or concept toward another without lengthy explanation. Courts and drafters use it to highlight comparative duties or positions arising under a rule.
Supporting sources
No. It serves only as stylistic shorthand for relational analysis and does not alter the substantive elements of any rule such as conspiracy intent, joinder requirements, or professional duties.
Yes. The excerpts illustrate its appearance in property, constitutional, procedural, evidence, criminal, and professional responsibility materials, always to denote the relevant relationship under the governing standard.
Supporting sources
…Each grows in substantiality as the woman approaches term and, at a point during pregnancy, each becomes "compelling." With respect to the State's important and legitimate interest in the health of the mother, the "compelling" point, in the light of present medical knowledge, is at approximately the end of the first…