CONTRA HEREDITATEM JACENTEM

contra hereditatem jacentem (kon-tr[schwa] h[schwa]-red-i-tay-t[schwa]m j[schwa]-sen-t[schwa]m). [Law Latin] Hist. Against a succession that the heir has not taken up; against a fallen inheritance. • The phrase appeared in reference to a creditor’s right to pursue a debtor’s estate for recovery of a debt even though the heir did not take up the succession.