''Pro tempore'' (), abbreviated ''pro tem'' or ''p.t.'', is a
Latin phrase
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which best translates to "for the time being" in English. This phrase is often used to describe a person who acts as a ''
locum tenens'' (placeholder) in the absence of a superior, such as the
president ''pro tempore'' of the United States Senate, who acts in place of the president of the United States Senate—a position that is held ''
ex officio
An ''ex officio'' member is a member of a body (notably a board, committee, council) who is part of it by virtue of holding another office. The term '' ex officio'' is Latin, meaning literally 'from the office', and the sense intended is 'by right ...
'' by the current
vice president of the United States.
Legislative bodies can have one or more
''pro tempore'' for the presiding officer. These positions ostensibly go to legislators experienced in floor debate who are familiar with the content and application of relevant rules and precedents and who have a reputation for fairness among their colleagues.
Mayor pro tem
A common use of ''pro tempore'' in the
United States is in
municipalities such as
cities and
towns with regard to the position of the
mayor. In many cities, the
city council appoints one of its members to act as mayor ''pro tempore'' (''pro tem'') (or vice mayor) in the absence of the actual mayor.
Judge pro tem
In judicial
courts, attorneys that volunteer in proceedings are called "judge pro tem".
Dean pro tem
Universities sometimes appoint heads of faculties temporarily until ratified by a board of governors or senate committee. These positions are titled "Dean pro tem".
See also
*''
Ex tempore''
References
Latin legal terminology
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