What does "pro tem" refer to in legal terms?

The term "pro tem" is derived from the Latin phrase "pro tempore," which translates to "for the time being" or "temporarily." In a legal context, it is often used to describe a temporary situation, such as a judge or officer who is appointed to act for a limited time until a permanent replacement is found. This term reflects the nature of a temporary role, emphasizing that the person is fulfilling a duty only for the duration needed, rather than having a long-term or permanent designation. Understanding this term is important in legal settings where temporary appointments may impact the proceedings or decisions being made. The other options refer to more permanent or unrelated concepts, making them unsuitable as definitions for "pro tem."