Vacatio

Vacatio is a Latin noun that denotes freedom from something, absence, or vacancy. In modern usage, the term appears primarily in legal and administrative contexts. The verb vacare means to be free, vacant, or empty, and the noun form conveys the state resulting from such freedom or emptiness.

In law, vacatio or vacatio legis refers to a delay between the publication of a statute and its entry into force. This period allows authorities, courts, and the public to become aware of the new rule and to prepare for compliance. The length of vacatio legis is typically prescribed by statute or constitutional provision and can vary from days to months. Some jurisdictions implement the rule of immediate effect with no vacatio.

In civil and ecclesiastical administration, vacatio can denote a temporary vacancy of a post or office. For example, a bishopric may be vacant after the death or resignation of the bishop and before the appointment of a successor. Officials may serve as administrators during the vacatio.

Etymology: Vacatio derives from Latin vacare, “to be free, empty.” In English-language legal writing, the phrase vacatio legis is the most common usage, while vacatio by itself is often found in historical or doctrinal discussions.

See also: vacancy, interregnum, vacancy in office, entry into force, cooling-off period.