The phrase, “now for then” is a Latin word that means you can issue an order on one date but it will be effective retroactively.
It is most often used to correct past judicial errors or oversights that could jeopardize the smooth operation of the legal system. When a written record of a trial court’s judgment fails to accurately represent the court’s decision, it is the court’s inherent ability to modify the record at a later date to reflect what happened during the trial.
To ensure that no party is harmed or prejudiced by the erroneous decision, the rectified decision would take effect immediately. Nunc pro tunc is used to repair errors or omissions made by the court in order to obtain the desired outcomes.
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