hereinbefore

Hereinbefore is a term used in legal and formal writing to refer to events, actions, or statements that have occurred or been made up to the present time. It is often used to introduce a summary or recap of previous events or arguments, setting the stage for the current discussion or decision. The term is derived from the Latin phrase "hic erat in quo," which translates to "this was the state of affairs."

In legal contexts, hereinbefore is commonly used in pleadings, briefs, and opinions to refer to the parties' previous arguments, the court's prior rulings, or the facts as they stood before the current proceeding. For example, a lawyer might use hereinbefore to acknowledge the opposing party's arguments and explain how their client's position differs or builds upon them.

In formal writing, hereinbefore can be used to introduce a recap of previous sections or arguments, helping to maintain continuity and coherence in the text. It signals to the reader that what follows is a continuation or expansion of what has gone before.

While hereinbefore is a useful term for clarity and precision in legal and formal writing, it is not commonly used in everyday or informal language. Its use is generally restricted to contexts where precise reference to previous events or arguments is necessary.