Per Se Legal Meaning and Definition

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

Per Se (adverb, Latin)

Meaning "by itself" or "in itself." In legal terms, it is used to describe something that is intrinsically or inherently so, without the need to refer to outside evidence or circumstances. For instance, using the term "per se" in the context of defamation means that the false accusations, like serious accusations of crime or immorality, are so harmful that damage is assumed and does not need to be proven.