Latin term meaning “of its own kind” and used to describe an item that is unique or different than the normal. Not like anything else. In law it may be an exception such as a right or power that is created individually and specifically, in its own category. It is commonly used in case law: A “sui generis case” or a “sui generis authority” means that the decision in the case may not be precedent setting and limited to the specific facts of the case. It is a decision which may not be able to be used for broader application.