functus officio
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Case Law, Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910)
Definitions from Case Law
From 74 U.S. 306 - Edmonson v. Bloomshire · 1868Most cited · 53 citing opinions
the writ of error, like all other common law writs, becomes functus officio unless some return is made to it during the term of court to which it is returnable
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Having performed its office; legally defunct; of a process which has been returned; of an agent or officer without authority to proceed further.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Lat Having fulfilled the function, discharged the office or accomplished the purpose, and therefore of no further force or authority. Applied to an officer whose term has expired, and who has consequently no further official authority; and also to an instrument, power, agency, etc., which has fulfilled the purpose of its creation, and is therefore of no further virtue or effect.