uti possidetises

Main Entry: uti pos·si·de·tis
Pronunciation: 'yü-tI-"pä-s&-'dE-t&s, 'ü-tE-"po-sE-'dA-tEs
Function: noun
Etymology: Late Latin, as you (now) possess (it); from the wording of an interdict in Roman law enjoining both parties in a suit to maintain the status quo until the decision
: a principle in international law that recognizes a peace treaty between parties as vesting each with the territory and property under its control unless otherwise stipulated