Per Capita Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Per Capita.

Per Capita (adjective)

1. A Latin term meaning "by head." This phrase is often used in law to refer to a method of dividing or distributing something equally among the number of persons in a group.

For example, if a total bill is divided "per capita," the amount would be split equally among all members in a group, regardless of their role or position. Therefore, the "per capita" amount serves as an average value for any payments, taxes, benefits, etc., to be shared or received by each person.

In a legal context, "per capita" is also commonly used to refer to how property or assets in a will or estate are distributed — equally among all surviving beneficiaries.