Ex mero motu
Defined in 4 dictionaries — Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Burrill (1850), Bouvier (1839)
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Of mere motion.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Of his own mere motion; of his own accord; voluntarily and without prompting or request. Royal letters patent which are granted at the crown's own instance, and without request made, are said to be granted ex mero motu. When a court interferes, of its own motion, to object to an irregularity, or to do something which the parties are not strictly entitled to, but which will prevent injustice, it is said to act ex mero motu, or ex proprio motu, or sua sponte, all these terms bsing here equivalent.
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary
Alexander M. Burrill · 1850
Lat. Of mere motion. Formal words in old English letters patent. 1 Co. 40 b; Al Um Wood's case. See Ex gratia spedali, <fec.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
from mere motion. ‘To prevent injustice, the courts will, ex mero motu, make rules and orders which the parties would not strictly be entitled to ask for.