restitutio in integrum
restitutio in integrum (res-t[schwa]-t[y]oo-shee-oh in in-t[schwa]-gr[ schwa]m). [Latin] Roman & civil law. Restoration to the previous condition or the status quo. • In Roman law, a praetor could accomplish this by annulling a contract or transaction that was strictly legally valid but inequitable and by restoring the parties to their previous legal relationship. The phrase is still sometimes used in American law (esp. in Louisiana) when a court annuls a contract and orders restitution on equitable grounds.