"De jure" is a Latin term that means "by law." It refers to something that is legally recognized or established, regardless of whether it is actually practiced in reality. For example, a government may have a de jure authority over a territory, meaning it is recognized by law, even if it does not effectively control that area. In contrast to "de facto," which means "in practice," de jure emphasizes the legal framework. For instance, civil rights laws may exist de jure, ensuring equality, but if they are not enforced, the situation may differ de facto. Understanding this distinction is important in legal and political discussions.