Non Obstante

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Notwithstanding; in opposition to, or in spite of, what has been stated, or is to be stated or admitted.

2. A clause in old English statutes and letters patent, importing a license from the crown to do a thing notwithstanding any statute to the contrary. This dispensing power was abolished by the Bill of Rights. In this very reign [Henry III.] the practice of dispensing with statutes by a non obstante was introduced. Hallam. Non obstante veredicto Etym: [LL.] (Law), a judgment sometimes entered by order of the court, for the plaintiff, notwithstanding a verdict for the defendant. Stephen.