Dum In Futuro

L. Lat. A debt due at present to be paid in future. A term applied to obligations which are absolute or perfect when contracted, though not payable before a certain future day, as bonds and notes. Co. Litt. 292 b. 1 Burr. 228. The right of the government to duties on imported goods accrues, in the fiscal sense of the term, on the arrival of the goods in the proper port of entry; yet it is but a debitum in praesenti, solvendum in futuro, according to the requisition of the revenue collection act of March 2, 1799, ch. 128; and therefore if a deposit of the goods is made by the importer, or a bond is given by him for the duties, pursuant to the provisions of that act, the importer is entitled to the full credit allowed by that act. Story, J., 13 Peters' R. 494. Rent, before the appointed day of payment is not debitum in praesenti, solvendum in futuro; but is a contingent claim liable to be wholly defeated by many intervening acts or events. 11 Mass. 493. Co. Litt. 292 b.