Ex rel

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Ex rel is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase "ex relatione" meaning "by the relation of" (or, loosely translated, "on behalf of"). The term is a legal phrase most commonly used when a government brings a cause of action upon the request of a private party who has some interest in the matter. The private party is called the relator in such a case. Governments typically accept applications and commence litigation for ex rel actions only if the interest advanced by the private party is similar to the interest of the government. The term can also be used when a relative or party in privity brings suit on another person's behalf. For example, the Terri Schiavo appeal to the United States Supreme Court was titled Schiavo ex rel. Schindler v. Schiavo.