“Theft, also, constitutes a labes realis in the title of any one holding the subject stolen, no matter how honestly he may have acquired it; and on this defect, which attaches to it until it return to his possession, the true owner may vindicate his right, and recover his subject wherever it can be found.” John Trayner, Trayner’s Latin Maxims 312 (4th ed. 1894).
labes realis quae rei inhaeret
labes realis quae rei inhaeret (lay-beez ree-ay-lis kwee ree-I in-heer-it). [Latin] Scots law. A real defect that attaches to the thing. Cf. VITIUM REALE .
