lex fori

[Latin: The law of the forum]

The law of the forum is the law by which procedural matters, the trial, remedies (such as damages, injunctions and other orders), and limitations and time bars to bringing proceedings. It is the law that is applied by courts within the jurisdiction in question.

The lex fori is the law by which questions of evidence are determined. This general rule may be displaced by statute. When legal proceedings are brought before English Courts that apply foreign law, as the rules of evidence form part of procedural law, it is English law that is applied to determine admissibility and related matters.

In disputes involving an international element, the law governing the substantive rights of the parties may well differ from the lex fori. The law governing substantive rights is known as the lex causae.

Also referred to as the lex loci fori.

Usage: As the proceedings to be heard in England, the lex fori was to be the laws of England.

Related Words: proper law of the contract; jurisdiction clause; lex causae; lex situs; lex domicilii; jurisdiction; anti-suit injunctions; lex contractus; lex solutionis; choice of law clause; contract; lex posterior derogate priori; lex scripta; lex non scripta.