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Ultima Ratio

Defined in 3 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910)

The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary

Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922

The last resort. ULTIMA VOLUNTAS (Lat.)

In old English law. Last will; the last will. In testamento suo, in ultima voluntate sua, in his testament, in his last will. Reg. Grig. 244b. ULTIMA VOLUNTAS TESTATORIS EST perimplenda secundum veram intentlonem suam. The last will of a testator is to be fulfilled according to his true intention. Co. Litt. 322; Broom, Leg. Max. (3d London Ed.) 505.

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

The last reason or resort.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

Lat. The last argument; the last resort; the means last to be resorted to.