term:

In Rem

in rem adv or adj

[Latin]
: against or with respect to a thing (as a right, status, or interest in property) without reference to the persons involved [when the Government is proceeding against property in rem "Austin v. United States, 509 U.S. 602 (1993)"] [an in rem action] see also in rem jurisdiction at jurisdiction compare in personam, quasi in rem

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.