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List of legal Latin terms

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Main page A number of Latin terms are used in legal terminology and legal maxims. This is a partial list of these
Contents "legal Latin" terms, which are wholly or substantially drawn from Latin.
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Term or phrase Definition and use English pronunciation
translation
Interaction
Help An a fortiori argument is an
About Wikipedia "argument from a stronger
Community portal reason", meaning that because /ˌeɪ fɔrtiˈɔəraɪ/,
Recent changes a fortiori from stronger
one fact is true, that a second /ˌeɪ fɔrʃiˈɔəraɪ/
Contact page
related and included fact must
Tools also be true.
What links here
Related changes Divorce a mensa et thoro
a mensa et from table and
Upload file indicates legal separation without /ˌeɪ ˈmɛnsə ɛt ˈθɔəroʊ/
thoro bed
Special pages legal divorce.
Permanent link
An argument derived from
Page information a posteriori from later /ˌeɪ ˌpɒstɪəri.ɔəraɪ/
open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
Page information a posteriori from later /ˌeɪ ˌpɒstɪəri.ɔəraɪ/
subsequent event
Wikidata item
Cite this page An argument derived from
a priori from earlier /ˌeɪ praɪ.ɔəraɪ/
Print/export previous event
Create a book Regarding a court below in an
Download as PDF appeal, either a court of first
Printable version a quo from which /ˌeɪ ˈkwoʊ/
instance or an appellate court,
Languages known as the court a quo.
Brezhoneg
Concerning a case, a person may
Deutsch
Emiliàn e rumagnòl have received some funding from
ab extra from outside /ˌæb ˈɛkstrə/
Español a 3rd party. This funding may
한국어 have been considered ab extra.
Hrvatski
"Commonly used referring to the
Interlingua
time a contract, statute, marriage,
Italiano from the
Latina ab initio or deed become legal. e.g The /ˌæb ɪˈnɪʃi.oʊ/
beginning
Nederlands couple was covered ab initio by
日本語 her health policy."[1]
Norsk nynorsk
"Presenting the negative portion
Português
Slovenčina
of a plea when pleading at
absque hoc without this
Српски / srpski common by way a special
Srpskohrvatski / traverse."[1]
српскохрватски
Svenska On the plaintiff The burden of proof falls to the
Actori incumbit
Українська rests the plaintiff, claimant, or petitioner
probatio
中文 proving according to Roman law.
Edit links
Part of what proves criminal
actus reus guilty act /ˌæktəs ˈriː.əs/
liability (with mens rea)
Abbreviated from Cuius est solum
eius est usque ad coelum et ad
infernos which translates to "[for]
whoever owns [the] soil, [it] is his
ad coelum to the sky all the way [up] to Heaven and /ˌæd ˈsiːləm/
[down] to Hell." The principle that
the owner of a parcel of land also
owns the air above and the
ground below the parcel.
ad colligenda to collect the
bona goods
Generally signifies a solution
designed for a specific problem or
ad hoc for this task, non-generalizable, and not /ˌæd ˈhɒk/
intended to be able to be adapted
to other purposes.
Attacking an opponent's character
ad hominem at the person rather than answering his /ˌæd ˈhɒmɨnɛm/
argument.
to the same
ad idem In agreement. /ˌæd ˈaɪdəm/
thing
ad infinitum to infinity To continue forever. /ˌæd ɪnfɨˈnaɪtəm/
Describes a party designated to
represent another party who is
ad litem for the case deemed incapable of representing /ˌæd ˈlaɪtɛm/
him/herself (e.g. a child or
incapacitated adult).
Used in tort law. Implies that the
ad quod according to the reward or penalty ought to
damnum harm correspond to the damage
suffered or inflicted.
according to
ad valorem /ˌæd vəˈlɔərɛm/
value
When an assembly adjourns
adjournment adjournment
without setting a date for its next /ˌsaɪniː ˈdaɪ.iː/
sine die without a day
meeting.
affidavit he has sworn A formal statement of fact. /ˌæfɨˈdeɪvɨt/
A second identity living within a
alter ego another I
person.
friend of the A person who offers information to
amicus curiae /əˈmaɪkəs ˈkjʊəri.iː/
court a court regarding a case before it.
animus contractual
Intention to contract
contrahendi intent
The subjective state of mind of
the author of a crime, with
intention to
animus nocendi reference to the exact knowledge
harm
of illegal content of his behaviour,
and of its possible consequences.
"In order to claim possessory
rights, an individual must establish
animus intention to
physical control of the res and the
possidendi possess
intention to possess (i.e. animus
possidendi)"[2]
"Wild animals, such as bees and
animus intention to homing pigeons, that by habit go
revertendi return 'home' to their possessor. Used
when discussing ferae naturae."[2]
ante before
for the sake of
(in) arguendo
argument
Refers to the idea that one cannot
Audi alteram hear the other be fairly judged unless the cases
partem side for and against them have been
heard.
Implies sincere good intention
bona fide in good faith. /ˈboʊnə ˈfaɪdiː/
regardless of outcome.
ownerless
bona vacantia
goods
Indicates that a settlement to a
The question dispute or issue has been
Cadit quaestio
falls reached, and the issue is now
resolved.
Casus belli Case of war The justification for acts of war. /ˈkeɪsəs ˈbɛlaɪ/
Force majeure, specifically a
man-made inevitable accident
(e.g. riots, strikes, civil war); ex:
When H.M.S. Bounty was
destroyed by Hurricane Sandy,
casus fortuitus fortuitous event October 29, 2012, casus fortuitus
would describe the H.M.S. Bounty
being at the wrong place when
Hurricane Sandy came up the
coast.HMS Bounty Sinks
Compare vis major (see below).
When used by itself, refers to a
Caveat May he beware
qualification, or warning.
In addition to the general warning,
also refers to a legal doctrine
Let the buyer wherein a buyer could not get
Caveat emptor /ˈkævi.æt ˈɛmptɔr/
beware relief from a seller for defects
present on property which
rendered it unfit for use.
A type of writ seeking judicial /ˌsɜrʃi.əˈrɛəraɪ/,
Certiorari To be apprised
review. /ˌsɜrʃi.əˈrɛəriː/
More commonly rendered in
With other
Ceteris paribus English as "All other things being /ˌsɛtərɨs ˈpærɨbəs/
things the same
equal."
cogitationis Nobody suffers
poenam nemo punishment for
patitur mere intent
The aggregate of marital property
communio Community of
under a community property
bonorum property
matrimonial regime.
Delay in payment or performance
compensatio Balance of
on the part of both the debtor and
morae delay
the creditor
Having Of sound mind. Also used in the
compos mentis command of negative "Non compos mentis", /ˈkɒmpɒs ˈmɛntɨs/
mind meaning "Not of sound mind".
A condition
Condicio sine An indispensable and essential
without which it
qua non action, condition, or ingredient.
could not be
Meeting of the minds, mutual
assent, or concurrence of wills.
consensus ad Agreement to Parties must be of one mind and
idem the same their promises must relate to the
same subject or object[3] Also
consensus in idem.
Stipulates that when two or more
consensus facit Consensus persons arrive at a good faith
legem makes the law agreement, the law will insist on
that agreement being carried out.
Where no laws apply to a given
consuetudo pro Custom is held
situation, the customs of the place
lege servatur as law
and time will have the force of law.
Used in case citations to indicate
contra Against that the cited source directly
contradicts the point being made.
contra bonos Against good Contracts so made are generally
mores morals illegal and unenforceable.
Used when a court or tribunal
hands down a decision that is
contra legem Against the law
contrary to the laws of the
governing state.
Contradictio in Contradiction in
A contradiction in terms.
adjecto itself
Used in contract law to stipulate
that an ambiguous term in a
contract shall be interpreted
against the interests of the party
contra Against the one that insisted upon the term's
proferentem bringing forth inclusion. Prevents the intentional
additions of ambiguous
terminology from being exploited
by the party who insisted on its
inclusion.
Refers to a legal proceeding
coram non Before one who without a judge, or with a judge
judice is not a judge who does not have proper
jurisdiction.
A person cannot be convicted of a
Body of the crime, unless it can be proven
corpus delicti /ˈkɔrpəs dɨˈlɪktaɪ/
crime that the crime was even
committed.
The complete collection of laws of
corpus juris Body of law /ˈkɔrpəs ˈdʒʊərɨs/
a particular jurisdiction or court.
The complete collection of civil
corpus juris laws of a particular jurisdiction or
Body of civil law /ˈkɔrpəs ˈdʒʊərɨs sɨˈvaɪlɨs/
civilis court. Also sometimes used to
refer to the Code of Justinian.
corpus juris Body of the law The complete collection of
gentium of nations international law.
An encyclopedia of US law drawn
corpus juris
from US Federal and State court
secundum
decisions.
Crime of
crimen falsi Forgery.
falsifying
Suggests that the perpetrator(s)
of a crime can often be found by
As a benefit to investigating those who would
cui bono
whom? have benefited financially from the
crime, even if it is not immediately
obvious.
For whoever
cuius est solum
owns the soil, it Used in reference to the rights of
eius est usque
is theirs up to property owners to the air above,
ad coelum et ad
Heaven and and land below, their property.
inferos
down to Hell
Specifies that larceny was taking
de bonis Carrying goods place in addition to any other
asportatis away crime named. E.g. "trespass de
bonis asportatis".
Complete annihilation of a warring
debellatio Warring down party, bringing about the end of
the conflict.
Assets of an estate remaining
after the death (or removal) of the
designated estate administrator.
de bonis non Of goods not
An "administrator de bonis non
administratis administered
administratis" will then be
appointed to dispose of these
goods.
Generally refers to a type of labor
in which the worker is paid fully at
de die in diem From day to day
the completion of each day's
work.
Literally "from fact"; often used to
mean something that is true in
practice, but has not been
de facto In fact
officially instituted or endorsed.
"For all intents and purposes". Cf.
de jure.
Concerning the
de futuro At a future date.
future
Often used to mean "start it all
Concerning the
de integro over", in the context of "repeat de
whole
integro".
Literally "from law"; something that
is established in law, whether or
de jure According to law
not it is true in general practice.
Cf. de facto.
Used in the context of "how the
Of the law as it
de lege ferenda law should be", such as for
should be
proposed legislation.
Concerning the law as it exists,
Of the law as it
de lege lata without consideration of how
is
things should be.
That which has
delegatus non been delegated,
potest delegare cannot delegate
[further]
About the Various legal areas concerning
de minimis
smallest things small amounts or small degrees.
The law does
There must be a minimal level of
de minimis non not concern
substance or impact in order to
curat lex itself with the
bring a legal action.
smallest [things]
Social convention that it is
Of the dead,
de mortuis nil inappropriate to speak ill of the
[speak] nothing
nisi bonum recently deceased, even if they
unless good
were an enemy.
Often used in the context of "trial
de novo"—a new trial ordered
de novo Anew
when the previous one failed to
reach a conclusion.
The gods take
deorum injuriae Blasphemy is a crime against the
care of injuries
diis curae State, rather than against God.
to the gods
A statement given some weight or
dictum (thing) said consideration due to the respect
given the person making it.
Presumption that young children
Incapable of or persons with diminished mental
doli incapax
guilt capacity cannot form the intent to
commit a crime.
Heavily used in the context of
dolus specialis Specific deceit
genocide in international law.
Tame or domesticated animal.
domitae naturae Tame by nature Also called mansuetae naturae.
Opposite of ferae naturae (below)
Gift causa mortis; "The donor,
contemplating imminent death,
declares words of present gifting
and delivers the gift to the donee
donatio mortis
Deathbed gift or someone who clearly takes
causa
possession on behalf of the
donee. The gift becomes effective
at death but remains revocable
until that time."[2]
dramatis Persons of the
personae drama
dubia in
Doubtful things
meliorem
should be Often spoken as "to give the
partem
interpreted in benefit of the doubt."
interpretari
the best way
debent
A "subpoena duces tecum" is a
duces tecum Bring with you summons to produce physical
evidence for a trial.
Proof lies on
Proof lies on
ei incumbit The concept that one is innocent
him who
probatio qui dicit until proven guilty.
asserts.
Known as a "canon of
construction", it states that when a
limited list of specific things also
Of the same includes a more general class,
ejusdem generis
class. that the scope of that more
general class shall be limited to
other items more like the specific
items in the list.
eo nomine By that name.
Refers to rights or obligations that
erga omnes Towards all.
are owed towards all.
ergo Therefore
Having been
erratum
made in error.
Abbreviation of et alii, meaning
et al. And others
"and others".
And other Generally used in the sense of
et cetera
things. "and so forth".
Abbreviation of et sequens,
meaning "and the following ones".
And the
et seq. Used in citations to indicate that
following things
the cited portion extends to the
pages following the cited page.
Usually used instead of naming a
et uxor And wife. /ˌɛt ˈʌksɔr/
man's wife as a party in a case.
Usually used instead of naming a
et vir And husband. woman's husband as a party in a /ˌɛt ˈvɜr/
case.
Usually defined as "what is right
and good." Used to describe the
power of a judge or arbiter to
ex aequo et Of equity and consider only what is fair and
bono [the] good. good for the specific case, and
not necessarily what the law may
require. In courts, usually only
done if all parties agree.
Essentially meaning "before the
ex ante Of before. event", usually used when /ˌɛks ˈæntiː/
forecasting future events.
Where chair refers to authority or
ex cathedra From the chair position. Authority derived from
one's position.
From what has
Often used in a "guilt by
ex concessis been conceded
association" context.
already
From a The consequence of a crime or
ex delicto
transgression tort.
If a contract is blatantly and
obviously incorrect or illegal, it
ex facie On the face can be considered void ex facie
without any further analysis or
arguments.
Good business
ex fida bona
norms
Something done voluntarily and
ex gratia By favor with no expectation a legal liability
arising therefrom.
Law does not
ex injuria jus non A principle in international law that
arise from
oritur unjust acts cannot create laws.
injustice
Something done or realized by the
ex officio From the office fact of holding an office or
position.
A decision reached, or case
From [for] one brought, by or for one party
ex parte
party without the other party being
present.
ex post From after Based on knowledge of the past.
From a thing
ex post facto Commonly said as "after the fact."
done afterward
A retroactive law. E.g. a law that
ex post facto law makes a past act illegal that was
not illegal when it was done.
The express
expressio unius When items are listed, anything
mention of one
est exclusio not explicitly stated is assumed to
thing excludes
alterius not be included.
all others
By [one's] own Commonly spoken as "by one's
ex proprio motu
motion own accord."
Abbreviation of ex relatione. Used
[arising] out of when the government brings a
ex rel the narration [of case that arises from the
the relator] information conveyed to it by a
third party ("relator").
From a
A party cannot bring a legal action
ex turpi causa dishonorable
for consequences of his own
non oritur actio cause an action
illegal act.
does not arise
For the sake of
exempli gratia Usually abbreviated "e.g.".
example
Term used in contract law to
specify terms that are voided or
ex tunc From then confirmed in effect from the
execution of the contract. Cf. ex
nunc.
Term used in contract law to
specify terms that are voided or
confirmed in effect only in the
ex nunc From now on
future and not prior to the
contract, or its adjudication. Cf. ex
tunc.
Refers to things that are currently
extant Existing existing at a given point, rather
than things that are no longer so.
1. an assured statement made; 2.
completion of a will and all its
factum Deed parts to make it valid and legal;
3). book of facts and law
presented in a Canadian court
A type of contract wherein one
party agrees to do work for the
I do, that you
facio ut facias other, in order that the second
may do
party can then perform some work
for the first in exchange.
A concept in treaty law that
Favor of the prefers the maintaining of a
favor contractus
contract contract over letting it expire for
purely procedural reasons.
A suicide. This archaic term stems
from English common law, where
suicide was legally a felony, thus
suicide was legally a felony, thus
felo de se Felon of himself
a person who committed suicide
was treated as a felon for
purposes of estate disposal.
Wild animals residing on unowned
property do not belong to any
Wild animals by
ferae naturae party in a dispute on the land.
nature
Opposite of domitae naturae
(above)
A warrant issued by a judge for
fiat Let it be done
some legal proceedings.
Let there be Often used as a motto, notably by
Fiat justitia et
justice, though Ferdinand I, Holy Roman
pereat mundus
the world perish. Emperor.
Let justice be Also sometimes a motto, a legal
fiat justitia ruat
done though the maxim that justice must be done
caelum
heavens fall. regardless of the result otherwise.
A writ ordering the local law
enforcement to ensure that
May you cause
fieri facias damages awarded by the court
to be done
are properly recovered. A writ of
execution.
When determining whether a
fortis strong
chattel is a fixture: "size doesn't
attachiamentum, attachment, the
matter, how much or degree
validior stronger
validior stronger
chattel is attached to 'land' and to
praesumptionem presumption
'what' "
A concept wherein a court refuses
forum non Disagreeable to hear a particular matter, citing
/ˈfɔərəm nɒn kənˈviːni.ɛnz/
conveniens forum a more appropriate forum for the
issue to be decided.
Emblements; in property law, a
co-owner profitng from her or his
fructus fructus industriales is solely
Industrial fruits
industriales responsible for any losses that my
occur.[2] (vs. fructus naturales,
see below)
Vegetation naturally growing from
old roots (as pasturage) or from
fructus naturales Natural fruits
trees (as timber or fruit) (vs.
fructus industriales, see above)
Smoke of a Refers to having a sufficient legal
fumus boni iuris
good right basis to bring legal action.
A person, court, statute, or legal
Having
document that has no legal
functus officio performed his
authority, because its original
office
legal purpose has been fulfilled.
Specifies that a certain matter of
The general
generalia law be covered by the most
does not detract
specialibus non specific laws pertaining, in the
specialibus non specific laws pertaining, in the
from the
derogant event that broader laws conflict
specific.
with the specific one.
Things weighing The basic element or complaint of
gravamen /ɡrəˈveɪmɛn/
down a lawsuit.
An independent party appointed
in family law disputes to represent
guardian ad Guardian for the parties that cannot represent
litem case. themselves, such as minors,
developmentally disabled, or
elderly.
A writ used to challenge the
legality of detention. Orders the
May you have detaining party to "have the
habeas corpus /ˈheɪbi.əs ˈkɔrpəs/
the body (living) body" of the detained
brought before the court where
the detention will be investigated.
A party considered to be the
hostis humani Enemy of the
enemy of all nations, such as
generis human race
maritime pirates.
Abbreviation of id est, meaning
"that is", in the sense of restating
i.e. That is
something that may not have
been clear.
Abbreviation of ibidem, meaning
"in the same place. Used when
In the same citing sources, to indicate the
ibid.
place cited source came from the
identical location as the preceding
one.
Used in citations to indicate the
cited source came from the same
idem The same source as the preceding one,
though not necessarily the same
page or location. Cf. ibid.
Ignorance of the A principle that states that not
ignorantia juris
law does not having knowledge of a law is not
non excusat
excuse an excuse for breaking it.
An authorization for a document
to be printed. Used in the context
imprimatur Let it be printed.
of approval by a religious body or
other censoring authority.
A legal proceeding conducted
without the presence of one party
in absentia In absence is said to be conducted in
absentia, e.g., trial in absentia or
being sentenced in absentia.
Often used in probate law, as well
at the moment
In articulo mortis as for testimony in the sense of a
of death
dying declaration.
Conducted in private, or in secret.
in camera In the chamber
The opposite of in open court.
Conducted in open court. The
in curia In court
opposite of in camera.
Actually existing in reality.
in esse In existence
Opposite of in posse.
In extended form, or at full length.
Often used to refer to publication
in extenso In the extended of documents, where it means the
full unabridged document is
published.
In extreme circumstances. Often
in extremis In the extreme used to refer to "at the point of
death."
Caught in the actual act of
committing a crime. Often used as
a euphemism for a couple caught
in flagrante In blazing
in the act of sexual intercourse,
delicto offense
though it technically refers to
being "caught in the act" of any
misdeed.
Someone unable to afford the
costs associated with a legal
proceeding. As this will not be a
barrier to seeking justice, such
barrier to seeking justice, such
in forma In the manner of
persons are given in forma /ɪn ˌfɔrmə ˈpɔːpərɨs/
pauperis a pauper
pauperis status (usually
abbreviated IFP), wherein most
costs are waived or substantially
reduced.
Refers to things to come, or
things that may occur later but are
in futuro In the future not so now. As in in futuro debts, /ɪn fjuːˈtjʊəroʊ/
i.e. debts which become due and
payable in the future.
Used when including text in a
complaint verbatim, where its
in haec verba In these words appearance in that form is
germane to the case, or is
required to be included.
A motion to a judge in a case that
in limine At the threshold is heard and considered outside
the presence of the jury.
Used to refer to a person or entity
assuming the normal parental
responsibilities for a minor. This
In the place of a can be used in transfers of legal
in loco parentis /ɪn ˌloʊkoʊ pəˈrɛntɨs/
parent guardianship, or in the case of
schools or other institutions that
act in the place of the parents on
a day-to-day basis.
A type of retroactive law that
decriminalizes offenses committed
in mitius In the milder
in the past. Also known as an
amnesty law.
Used to mean "in every respect."
in omnibus In all Something applying to every
aspect of a situation.
Used when both parties to a case
in pari delicto In equal offense
are equally at fault.
Refers to a situation where a law
or statute may be ambiguous, and
In the same
in pari materia similar laws applying to the matter
matter
are used to interpret the vague
one.
Used in the context of "directed at
this particular person", refers to a
in personam In person judgement or subpoena directed
at a specific named individual. Cf.
in rem.
in pleno In full
One who represents themselves
in prope On one's own
in court without the [official]
persona person
assistance of an attorney.
Alternate form of in prope
in propria In one's own persona. One who represents
persona proper person themselves in court without the
[official] assistance of an attorney.
Used in the title of a decision or
comment to identify the matter
they are related to; usually used
for a case where the proceeding
is in rem or quasi in rem and not
in personam (e.g. probate or
in re In the matter [of] /ɪn ˈriː/
bankrupt estate, guardianship,
application for laying out a public
highway) and occasionally for an
ex parte proceeding (e.g.
application for a writ of habeas
corpus).
Used in the context of a case
against property, as opposed to a
in rem About a thing /ɪn ˈrɛm/
particular person. See also in rem
jurisdiction. Cf. in personam.
Often used in the context of
decisions or rulings about a
in situ In position /ɪn ˈsaɪtjuː/, /ɪn ˈsɪtjuː/
property or thing "left in place"
after the case as it was before.
Jointly and severally; where a
group of persons share liability for
a debt, such as co-signers to a
in solidum For the whole
loan, the debtor can sue a single
party in solidum, that is, to
recover the entire amount owed.
A warning or threat to sue, made
In order to in the hopes of convincing the
in terrorem
frighten other party to take action to avoid
a lawsuit.
A clause in a will that threatens
in terrorem Clause "in order any party who contests the will
clause to frighten" with being disinherited. Also called
a no-contest clause.
in toto In total /ɪn ˈtoʊtoʊ/
Often used in copyright notices.
Refers to distinctive markings that
indicia Indications
identify a piece of intellectual
property.
infra Below or under
An intimation about someone or
something, made indirectly or
vaguely suggesting the thing
innuendo By nodding
being implied. Often used when
the implied thing is negative or
derogatory.
Used to indicate an item cited has
inter alia Among others been pulled from a larger or more /ˌɪntər ˈeɪli.ə/
complete list.
A concept that during war, many
For among illegal activities occur. Also taken
inter arma enim
arms, the laws to mean that in times of war, laws
silent leges
fall silent are suppressed, ostensibly for the
good of the country.
Refers to contract, debts, or other
agreements made between
inter rusticos Among rustics
parties who are not legal
professionals.
Refers to obligations between
members of the same group or
Amongst
inter se party, differentiated from the
themselves
whole party's obligations to
another party.
Refers to a gift or other non-sale
transfer between living parties.
Between the
inter vivos This is in contrast to a will, where /ˌɪntər ˈvaɪvɒs/
living
the transfer takes effect upon one
party's death.
intra Within
intra fauces Within the jaws This term refers to a nation's
terra of the land territorial waters.
Used in various contexts to refer
intra legem Within the law
to the legal foundation for a thing.
Something done which requires
Within the legal authority, and the act is
intra vires
powers performed accordingly. Cf. ultra
vires.
An assertion given undue weight
He himself said
ipse dixit solely by virtue of the person /ˈɪpsiː ˈdɪksɨt/
it
making the assertion.
Referring to a document or ruling
ipsissima verba The very words
that is being quoted by another.
Used in the context that one event
is a direct and immediate
ipso facto By the fact itself /ˈɪpsoʊ ˈfæktoʊ/
consequence of another. "In and
of itself."
ipso jure the law itself By operation of law
A principle that calculation errors
made by the court do not
invalidate the judgement on a
technicality. Also taken to mean
iudex non The judge does that the judge does not tally up
calculat not calculate the arguments of both sides and
decide in favor of the more
numerous, but rather weighs all of
the evidence without regard to the
number of arguments made.
Concept that parties to a case do
not need to define how the law
The court knows
jura novit curia applies to their case. The court is
the law
solely responsible for determining
what laws apply.
Appears at the end of an affidavit,
where the party making the
jurat (He) swears affirmation signs the oath, and the
information on whom the oath was
sworn before is placed.
Irrebuttable or conclusive
Of law, and from presumptions of law. One cannot
juris et de jure
law argue against, or try to otherwise
refute these.
jus Law, right Essentially: law.
(1) Right of survivorship: In
property law, on the death of one
joint tenant, that tenant's interest
passes automatically to the
surviving tenant(s) to hold jointly
until the estate is held by a sole
tenant. The only way to defeat the
right of survivorship is to sever
Right of
Right of
the joint tenancy during the
jus accrescendi survivorship;
lifetime of the parties, the right of
right of accrual
survivorshop takes priority over a
will or interstate accession rules.[2]
(2) (Civil law) right of accrual:
Right of the beneficiary to
succeed proportionately to a
benefit that another beneficiary in
the same will cannot or does not
want to take.
Refers to legalities considered
before entering into a war, to
ensure it is legal to go to war
jus ad bellum Laws to war
initially. Not to be confused with
ius in bello (q.v.), the "laws of war"
concerning how war is carried out.
A codified set of laws concerning
jus civile Civil law citizenry, and how the laws apply
to them.
Internationally agreed laws that
bear no deviation, and do not
jus cogens Compelling law require treaties to be in effect. An
example is law prohibiting
genocide.
Not actually referring to common
law, this term refers to common
jus commune Common law doctrine and principles of civil law
that underlie all aspects of the
legal system.
Customary law followed by all
nations. Nations being at peace
with one another, without having
jus gentium Law of nations
to have an actual peace treaty in
force, would be an example of this
concept.
Laws governing the conduct of
jus in bello Law in war
parties in war.
Law between Laws governing treaties and
jus inter gentes
the peoples international agreements.
Laws common to all people, that
the average person would find
jus naturale Natural law
reasonable, regardless of their
nationality.
Supposed right of the lord of an
Right of the first estate to take the virginity of
jus primae noctis
night women in his estate on their
wedding night.
Right of a third-party beneficiary
jus quaesitum Right to third- to sue in order to enforce a third-
tertio party relief party contract (i.e., the opposite
of privity of contract).
Social law concept wherein
citizenship of a nation is
jus sanguinis Right of blood /ˈdʒʌs ˈsæŋɡwɨnɨs/
determined by having one or both
parents being citizens.
Social law concept wherein
jus soli Right of soil citizenship of a nation is /ˈdʒʌs ˈsoʊlaɪ/
determined by place of birth.
Arguments made by a third party
in disputes over possession, the
jus tertii Law of the third intent of which is to question one
of the principal parties' claims of
ownership or rights to ownership.
A situation arising that is not
covered by any law. Generally
lacunae Void, gap used in International Law, as all
countries codify according to their
own systems of law.
leges humanae The laws of man Illustrates that laws are made, are
nascuntur, are born, live, in force for a period, and then
vivunt, moriuntur and die become obsolete.
Forfeiture clause for
nonperformance of a contract,
especially (1) a provision that a
pledge shall be forfeited if a loan
is defaulted, or (2) a condition
lex commissoria that money paid on a contract of
sale shall be forfeited and the
sale rescinded if outstanding
payments are defaulted. Also
known as a pactum
commissorium.
Alternate form of jus commune.
Refers to common facets of civil
lex communis Common law.
law that underlie all aspects of the
law.
lex lata The law borne The law as it has been enacted
The law of the country, state, or
locality where the matter under
The law of the
lex loci litigation took place. Usually used /ˈlɛks ˈloʊkaɪ/
place
in contract law, to determine which
laws govern the contract.
Later law
lex posterior More recent law overrules older
removes the
derogat priori ones on the same matter.
earlier
A law cannot make something
The law does
illegal that was legal at the time it
lex retro non agit not operate
was performed. See ex post facto
retroactively
law.
Law that specifically codifies
lex scripta Written law something, as opposed to
common law or customary law.
Where several laws apply to the
lex specialis Specific law
same situation, the more specific
derogat legi takes away from
one(s) take precedence over
generali the general law
more general ones.
An aspect of a unanimous voting
system, whereby any member can
liberum veto Free veto
end discussion on a proposed
law.
A language common to an area
that is spoken by all, even if not
their mother tongue. Term derives
The Frankish
lingua franca from the name given to a common
language
language used by traders in the
Mediterranean basin dating from
the Middle Ages.
Refers to requesting a legal
dispute be heard that is also
Lawsuit
being heard by another court. To
lis alibi pendens elsewhere
avoid possibly contradictory
pending
judgements, this request will not
be granted.
Often used in the context of public
announcements of legal
lis pendens Suit pending
lis pendens Suit pending
proceedings to come. Compare
pendente lite (below).
locus Place
Shorthand version of Lex locus
Place of the
locus delicti delcti commissi. The "scene of the
crime
crime".
The place in The location where a cause of
locus in quo
which action arose.
When one party withdraws from a
locus Place of
contract before all parties are
poenitentiae repentance
bound.
Place of The right of a party to appear and
locus standi /ˈloʊkəs ˈstændaɪ/
standing be heard before a court.
A condition of being fraudulent or
mala fide (In) bad faith
deceptive in act or belief.
evil acts are
distinguished
maleficia from (evil) evil acts are distinguished from
propositis purposes/crimes evil purposes[4] crimes are
distinguuntur are distinguished by the intention[5]
distinguished by
evil intent
Something considered a universal
malum in se Wrong in itself wrong or evil, regardless of the
system of laws in effect.
Something wrong or illegal by
malum Prohibited virtue of it being expressly
prohibitum wrong prohibited, that might not
otherwise be so.
A writ issue by a higher court to a
lower one, ordering that court or
related officials to perform some
mandamus We command /mænˈdeɪməs/
administrative duty. Often used in
the context of legal oversight of
government agencies.
A body of water under the
jurisdiction of a state or nation, to
mare clausum Closed sea /ˈmɛərriː ˈklɔːzəm/
which access is not permitted, or
is tightly regulated.
A body of water open to all.
Typically a synonym for
mare liberum Open sea
International Waters, or in other
legal parlance, the "High Seas".
One of the requirements for a
crime to be committed, the other
being actus reus, the guilt act.
mens rea Guilty mind This essentially is the basis for /ˈmɛns ˈriː.ə/
the notion that those without
sufficient mental capability cannot
be judged guilty of a crime.
A person's particular way of doing
things. Used when using
Manner of /ˈmoʊdəs ɒpəˈrændaɪ/,
modus operandi behavioral analysis while
operation /ˈmoʊdəs ɒpəˈrændiː/
investigating a crime. Often
abbreviated "M.O."
mora accipiendi Delay of creditor in the part of the creditor or
obligor
mora solvendi delay of debtor in the part of the debtor or the
obligee
In contemplation Gift or trust that is made in
mortis causa
of death contemplation of death
That which is the usual custom
mos pro lege Custom for law
has the force of law.
Motions offered at the start of a
Motion at the trial, often to suppress or pre-
motion in limine
start allow certain evidence or
testimony.
A caution to a reader when using
one example to illustrate a related
Having changed
but slightly different situation. The
mutatis [the things that]
caution is that the reader must
mutandis needed to be
adapt the example to change what
adapt the example to change what
changed
is needed for it to apply to the
new situation.
Shortened version of ne exeat
repiblica: "let him not exit the
Let him not exit republic". A writ to prevent one
ne exeat /ˈniː ˈɛksi.æt/
[the republic] party to a dispute from leaving (or
being taken) from the court's
jurisdiction.
Prohibition against double
Not twice in the jeopardy. A legal action cannot be
ne bis in idem
same brought twice for the same act or
offense.
Quasi-contractual obligation
arising from good works affecting
other people, obliging the
negotiorum Management of
benefited party (dominus negotii)
gestio estate
to reimburse the gestor for the
cost that was used in doing good
works
nemo auditur no one can be
propriam heard, who Nobody can bring a case that
turpitudinem invokes his own stems from their own illegal act
allegans guilt
If someone purchases something
no one gives that the seller has no right to
no one gives that the seller has no right to
nemo dat quod
what he does (such as stolen property), the
non habet
not have purchaser will likewise have no
legal claim to the thing bought.
In the past it was thought that it
nemo debet no one shall be included just two rules namely (1)
esse iudex in a judge in his nemo debet esse judex in propria
propria own case causa (no one shall be a judge in
his own case)
Prevents conflict of interest in
no one shall be courts. Often invoked when there
nemo judex in
a judge in his is really no conflict, but when
sua causa
own case there is even the appearance of
one.
no one can
nemo plus iuris A purchaser of stolen goods will
transfer a
ad alium not become the rightful owner
greater right
transferre potest thereof, since the seller himself
than he himself
quam ipse habet was not the owner to begin with.
has
A judgement rendered in the
absence of a plea, or in the event
nihil dicit he says nothing
one party refuses to cooperate in
the proceedings.
A decree that does not enter into
nisi unless force unless some other specified /ˈnaɪsaɪ/
condition is met.
Refers to the court of original
nisi prius unless first /ˈnaɪsaɪ ˈpraɪ.əs/
jurisdiction in a given matter.
A statement from the prosecution
that they are voluntarily
nolle prosequi Not to prosecute /ˈnɒliː ˈprɒsɨkwaɪ/
discontinuing (or will not initiate)
prosecution of a matter.
A type of plea whereby the
I do not wish to defendant neither admits nor
nolo contendere /ˈnoʊloʊ kɒnˈtɛndɨriː/
dispute denies the charge. Commonly
interpreted as "No contest."
In the case where a contract
imposes specific obligations on
Of a non-
non adimpleti both parties, one side cannot sue
completed
contractus the other for failure to meet their
contract
obligations, if the plaintiff has not
themselves met their own.
not in
non compos not having mental capacity to
possession of
mentis perform some legal act
[one's] mind
Refers to information given by
one who is not supposed to give
testimony, such as an attorney
non constat it is not certain
bringing up new information that
did not come from a witness. Such
information is typically nullified.
A method whereby a signatory to
a contract can invalidate it by
It is not [my] showing that his signature to the
non est factum
deed contract was made unintentionally
or without full understanding of
the implications.
Reported by a sheriff on writ when
non est inventus He is not found the defendant cannot be found in
his county or jurisdiction.
Performing some illegal action is
not excused by the fact that a
positive result came therefrom.
Often used to argue that some
non faciat not to do evil
forms of expression, such as
malum, ut inde that good may
graffiti or pornographic films,
veniat bonum come
cannot be given the protection of
law (e.g. copyright) as they are or
may be considered illegal or
morally reprehensible.
A type of verdict where positive
guilt or innocence cannot be
non liquet it is not clear determined. Also called "not
proven" in legal systems with such
verdicts.
A circumstance where the judge
A circumstance where the judge
non obstante notwithstanding
may override the jury verdict and
verdicto the verdict
reverse or modify the decision.
a break in causation (and
therefore probably liability)
novus actus a new action
because something else has
interveniens coming between
happened to remove the causal
link
An ambiguous word or term can
be clarified by considering the
it is known by
noscitur a sociis whole context in which it is used,
friends
without having to define the term
itself.
A term used to direct the reader
nota bene note well to cautionary or qualifying
statements for the main text.
An unenforceable promise, due to
nudum pactum naked promise the absence of consideration or
value exchanged for the promise.
Notation made when a defendant
has no tangible property available
nulla bona no goods
to be seized in order to comply
with a judgement.
One cannot be prosecuted for
nulla poena sine no penalty
doing something that is not
lege without a law
lege without a law
prohibited by law.
One cannot be prosecuted for
no crime, no doing something that was not
nullum crimen,
punishment prohibited by law at the time and
nulla poena sine
without a place it was committed,
praevia lege
previous penal notwithstanding laws made since
poenali
law that time. A form of prohibition on
retroactive laws.
An action by a court to correct a
nunc pro tunc now for then previous procedural or clerical
error.
in law, an observation by a judge
on some point of law not directly
relevant to the case before him,
and thus neither requiring his
a thing said in
obiter dictum decision nor serving as a
passing
precedent, but nevertheless of
persuasive authority. In general,
any comment, remark or
observation made in passing
onus probandi Burden of proof
pacta sunt agreements
A fundamental principle of law
servanda must be kept
Used when both parties to a
par delictum equal fault
dispute are at fault
Refers to the power of the State
parent of the to act as parent to a child when
parens patriae
nation the legal parents are unable or
unwilling.
Equal ranking, equal priority
pari passu on equal footing
(usually referring to creditors)
The head of household, for
purposes of considering the rights
and responsibilities thereof. (Civil
father of the
pater familias law) bonus paterfamilias: a
family
standard of care equivalent to the
common law ordinary reasonable
man.
Court orders used to provide
relief until the final judgement is
while the
rendered. Commonly used in
pendente lite litigation is
divorce proceedings. The
pending
adverbial form of lis pendens
(above).
dividing money up strictly and
per capita by head equally according to the number
of beneficiaries
Legal shorthand for "in contrast
per contra by that against
to"
A decision delivered by a multi-
judge panel, such as an appellate
court, in which the decision is said
through the
per curiam to be authored by the court itself, /ˌpɜrr ˈkjʊəri.æm/
court
instead of situations where those
individual judges supporting the
decision are named.
A judgement given without
per incuriam by their neglect
reference to precedent.
Used as a defense, when illegal
per minas through threats acts were performed under
duress
Employed when an adult brings
per proxima by or through suit on behalf of a minor, who was
amici the next friend unable to maintain an action on
his own behalf at common law.
Used in legal documents in the
same sense as "whereby". A per
quod statement is typically used
per quod by which
to show that specific acts had
consequences which form the
basis for the legal action.
Something that is, as a matter of
per se by itself
law.
An estate of a decedent is
distributed per stirpes, if each
distributed per stirpes, if each
per stirpes by branch
branch of the family is to receive
an equal share of an estate.
A condition given to support
periculum in requests for urgent action, such
danger in delay
mora as a protective order or
restraining order.
A person who is officially
considered unwelcome by a host
persona non unwelcome country in which they are residing /pərˈsoʊnə nɒn ˈɡrɑːtə/,
grata person in a diplomatic capacity. The /pərˈsoʊnə nɒn ˈɡreɪtə/
person is typically expelled to their
home country.
A body of armed citizens pressed
power of the into service by legal authority, to
posse comitatus /ˈpɒsiː ˌkɒmɨˈteɪtəs/
county keep the peace or pursue a
fugitive.
Refers to an autopsy, or as a
post mortem after death qualification as to when some
event occurred.
Used in reference to intellectual
post mortem after the property rights, which usually are
auctoris author's death based around the author's
lifetime.
The Roman praetor (magistrate)
praetor magistrate of
praetor magistrate of
responsible for matters involving
peregrinus foreigners
non-Romans.
A matter that appears to be
prima facie at first face sufficiently based in the evidence /ˈpraɪmə ˈfeɪʃi.iː/
as to be considered true.
(1) A legal principle that older
laws take precedent over newer
ones. Another name for this
principle is lex posterior. (2)
prior tempore earlier in time, (Scots law, civil law), usually
potior iure stronger in law translated as "prior in time,
superior in right", the principle
that someone who registers (a
security interest) earlier therefore
ranks higher than other creditors.
prius quam before you
exaudias ne hear, do not
iudices judge
proof
probatio vincit
overcomes
praesumptionem
presumption
pro bono For good Professional work done for free. /ˈproʊ ˈboʊnoʊ/
For the public
pro bono publico /ˈproʊ ˈboʊnoʊ ˈpʌblɨkoʊ/
good
as a matter of
as a matter of
pro forma Things done as formalities.
form
Refers to a lawyer who is allowed
to participate (only) in a specific
pro hac vice For this turn case, despite being in a
jurisdiction in which he has not
been generally admitted
Abbreviation of
propria Representing oneself, without
pro per persona, counsel. Also known as pro se
meaning "one's representation.
own person"
A calculation adjusted based on a
proportional value relevant to the
calculation. An example would be
a tenant being charged a portion
pro rata from the rate
of a month's rent based on having
lived there less than a full month.
The amount charged would be
proportional to the time occupied.
Representing oneself, without
pro se for himself counsel. Also known as pro per /ˌproʊ ˈsiː/, /ˌproʊ ˈseɪ/
representation.
A partial payment of an award or
pro tanto for so much claim, based on the defendant's
ability to pay.
Abbreviation of
pro tempore, Something, such as an office
pro tem
meaning "for the held, that is temporary.
time being"
for the time Something, such as an office
pro tempore
being held, that is temporary.
Refers to one reperesenting
themselves without the services of
propria persona proper person
a lawyer. Also known as pro per
representation.
Used to cite something that has
already been admitted into the
record. It was frequently used in
pleadings, generally abbreviated
prout patet per as appears in "prout &c.", to indicate that a fact
recordum the record was supported by documentary
evidence. Failure to use this
phrase correctly could be a fatal
defect and so cause a case to
fail.[6]
qua which; as In the capacity of
The question is raised. Used to
quareitur it is sought declare that a question is being
asked in the following verbiage.
Used in legal drafts to call
attention to some uncertainty or
quaere query
inconsistency in the material
being cited.
quantum how much
In contract law, a quasi-
contractual remedy that permits
partial reasonable payment for an
incomplete piece of work (services
and/or materials), assessed
proportionately, where no price is
established when the request is
made.[3]
as much as it
In contract law, and in particular
deserves; as
quantum meruit the requirement for consideration,
much as she or
if no fixed price is agreed upon for
he has earned[3]
the service and/or materials, then
one party would request a
reasonable price for the said
services and/or materials at the
end of the job. A common
example would be a plumber
requested to fix a leak in the
middle of the night.[3]
Under Common Law, i.e. a

remedy to compute reasonable
damages when a contract has
been breached—the implied
promise of payment of a
reasonable price for goods.
In contract law, for requirements
quantum as much as they of consideration, reasonable
valebant were worth worth for goods delivered.
Usage: quantum meruit has
replaced quantum valebant in
consideration;[3] in the case of
contract remedy, quantum
valebant is being used less, and
could be considered to be
obsolete.
Resembling or being similar to
quasi as if something, without actually being
that thing.
One who delegates a task to
who acts
qui facit per another, takes full responsibility
through
alium facit per for the performance of that act as
another, acts
se if he himself had done it. Basis for
himself
the law of agency
Abbreviation of
qui tam pro
domino rege
domino rege
quam pro se
In a qui tam action, one who
ipso in hac
assists the prosecution of a case
qui tam parte sequitur,
is entitled to a proportion of any
meaning "who
fines or penalties assessed.
pursues in this
action as much
for the king as
himself".
An equal exchange of goods or
services, or of money (or other
quid pro quo this for that
consideration of equal value) for
some goods or services.
Returning to a specific state of
quo ante as before affairs which preceded some
defined action.
A request made to someone
exercising some power, to show
by what
quo warranto by what legal right they are
warrant?
exercising that power. A type of
writ.
Used to mean "with respect to"
some named thing, such as when
quoad hoc as to this
stating what the law is in regards
to that named thing.
quod est What is
necessarium est necessary is
licitum lawful
King or Queen. In British cases,
will see R v Freeman meaning
R Rex or Regina Regina against Freeman.
Changes with King or Queen on
throne at time.
The point in a legal proceeding,
Reason for the or the legal precedent so
ratio decidendi
decision involved, which led to the final
decision being what it was.
The popular opinion of Roman
ratio scripta written reason law, held by those in the Medieval
period.
"Certain rights may arise by virtue
by reason of the
rationae soli of ownership of the soil upon
soil
which wild animals are found."[2]
A qualification in a treaty or
contract, that allows for
rebus sic things thus
nullification in the event
stantibus standing
fundamental circumstances
change.
The canon of construction that in
a list of items containing a
reddendo referring solely
qualifying phrase at the end, the
qualifying phrase at the end, the
singula singulis to the last
qualifier refers only to the last
item in the list.
thing, matter,
res
issue, affair
Property constructs like airspace
and water rights are said to be res
communis - that is, a thing
common to all, and that could not
be the subject of ownership. With
res communis common to all
airspace, the difficulty has been to
identify where the fee simple
holder's rights to the heavens
end. Water is a bit more defined
— it is common until captured.[2]
Differing meaning depending on
what type of law is involved. May
refer to the complete act of a
res gestae things done
felony, from start to finish, or may
refer to statements given that may
be exempt from hearsay rules.
used in tort law when there is no
the thing speaks proof of what caused the harm,
res ipsa loquitur
for itself but it is most likely only the thing
that could have caused the harm
A matter that has been finally
adjudicated, meaning no further /ˈriːz dʒuːdɨˈkeɪtə/, /ˈreɪz/,
res judicata a matter judged
appeals or legal actions by the /dʒuːdɨˈkɑːtə/
involved parties is now possible.
Ownerless property or goods.
Such property or goods are able
res nullius nobody's thing
and subject to being owned by
anybody.
All things subject to concern by
res publica public affair the citizenry. The root of the word
republic.
res publica Christian public All things of concern to the
christiana affair worldwide body of Christianity
A concept that the master (e.g.
respondeat let the master employer) is responsible for the
superior answer actions of his subordinates (e.g.
employees).
(1) Restoration of something,
such as a building or damaged
property, to its original condition.
restitutio in total
(2) In contract law, when
integrum reinstatement
considering breach of contract
and remedies, to restore a party
to an original position.[3]
rex non potest The king can do Used to describe the basis for
peccare no wrong sovereign immunity
Used variously as a motto, a
salus populi The good of the
reminder, or a notion of how the
suprema lex people shall be
law and governments in general
esto the supreme law
should be.
Defamation against a peer in
scandalum scandal of the
British law. Now repealed as a
magnatum magnates
specific offense.
Used when offenses or torts were
scienter knowingly committed with the full awareness
of the one so committing.
A writ, directing local officials to
scire facias let them know officially inform a party of official
proceedings concerning them.
The official response of the official
I have made serving a writ of scire facias,
scire feci
known informing the court that the writ
has been properly delivered.
The act of defending one's own
se defendendo self-defense person or property, or the well-
being or property of another.
Describes the process in which
the court hears assorted matters
in a specific order. Also refers to
an occasion where a multiple-
seriatim in series
seriatim in series
judge panel will issue individual
opinions from the members,
rather than a single ruling from
the entire panel.
While an individual is entitled to
use your the use and enjoyment of one's
sic utere tuo ut property so as estate, the right is not without
alienum non not to injure that limits. Restrictions can give rise to
laedas of your tort actions include trespass,
neighbours negligence, strict liability, and
nuisance.[2]
Used when the court is adjourning
without specifying a date to re-
sine die without day
convene. See also adjournment
sine die.
Refers to some essential event or
without which,
sine qua non action, without which there can be
nothing
no specified consequence.
Used to refer to laws specific to
the location where specific
situs the place
property exists, or where an
offense or tort was committed.
Undue performance or payment,
obliging the enrichee (accipiens)
performance of
to return the undue payment or
solutio indebiti something not
solutio indebiti something not
compensate the impoverishee
due
(solvens) for the undue
performance
To stand by The obligation of a judge to stand
stare decisis /ˈstɛəriː dɨˈsaɪsɨs/
[things] decided. by a prior precedent.
In contract law, in a case of
innocent representation, the
injured party is entitled to be
status quo replaced in statu quo. Note the
the state in
status quo ante common usage is status quo from
which
statu quo the Latin status quo ante, the
"state in which before" or "the
state of affairs that existed
previously."[3]
1) In property law, condominiums
has said to occupy stratum many
stories about the ground.[2]
2) Stratum can also be a societial
a covering, from
level made up of individuals with
neuter past
similar status of social, cultural or
stratum participle of
economic nature.
sternere, to
3) Stratum can refer to
spread
classification in an organized
system along the lines of layers,
levels, divisions, or similar
grouping.
grouping.
Some action taken by the public
prosecutor or another official
body, without the prompting of a
of its own
sua sponte plaintiff or another party.
accord
(compare ex proprio motu, ex
mero motu which are used for
courts)
Refers to a matter currently being
sub judice under the judge
considered by the court.
Term in contract law that allows
subject to limited modifications to a contract
sub modo
modification after the original form has been
agreed to by all parties.
Abbreviated sub nom.; used in
case citations to indicate that the
official name of a case changed
sub nomine under the name
during the proceedings, usually
after appeal (e.g., rev'd sub nom.
and aff'd sub nom.)
A ruling, order, or other court
action made without specifically
stating the ruling, order, or action.
sub silentio under silence The effect of the ruling or action is
implied by related and
subsequent actions, but not
specifically stated.
A writ compelling testimony, the
production of evidence, or some
subpoena under penalty
other action, under penalty for
failure to do so.
An order compelling an entity to
subpoena ad Under penalty to
give oral testimony in a legal
testificandum be witnessed
matter.
An order compelling an entity to
subpoena duces bring with you
produce physical evidence or
tecum under penalty
witness in a legal matter.
A false statement made in the
suggestio falsi false suggestion
negotiation of a contract.
of its own Something that is unique amongst
sui generis
kind/genus a group.
Refers to one legally competent to
sui juris of his own right manage his own affairs. Also
spelled sui iuris.
Refers to a court or other official
agency taking some action on its
of its own
suo motu own accord (synonyms: ex proprio
motion
motu, ex mero motu). Similar to
sua sponte.
A bond tendered by an appellant
as surety to the court, requesting
supersedeas refrain from a delay of payment for awards or
damages granted, pending the
outcome of the appeal.
Willful concealment of the truth
when bound to reveal it, such as
suppression of withholding details of damage
suppressio veri
the truth from an auto accident from a
prospective buyer of the car in
that accident.
Used in citations to refer to a
supra above
previously cited source.
(Scots law) "as is", to disclaim
implied warranties, as in to
tantum et tale thus and such
purchase or convey something
tantum et tale
Land that has never been part of
a sovereign state, or land which a
terra nullius no one's land
sovereign state has relinquished
claim to.
A completely new trial of a matter
previously judged. It specifically
trial de novo trial anew refers to a replacement trial for
the previous one, and not an
appeal of the previous decision.
Refers to a threefold tax levied on
trinoda three-knotted
Anglo-Saxon citizens to cover
necessitas need
roads, buildings, and the military.
Concept in contract law specifying
most abundant
uberrima fides that all parties must act with the
faith
utmost good faith.
Specifies that one should do what
no one is he can to support the community,
ultra posse obligated (to do) but since everyone has different
nemo obligatur more than he levels of ability, it cannot be
can expected that all will perform the
same.
An act that requires legal
beyond the authority to perform, but which is
ultra vires
powers done without obtaining that
authority.
Aggregate of people, body
universitas Totality of
corporate, as in a college,
personarum people
corporation, or state
universitas
Totality of things Aggregate of things
rerum
Used to criticize inconsistencies in
speech or testimony, as in: one
uno flatu in one breath says one thing, and in the same
breath, says another
contradictory thing.
Ancient concept regarding
conflicts, wherein all property
possessed by the parties at the
uti possidetis as you possess conclusion of the conflict shall
remain owned by those parties
unless treaties to the contrary are
enacted.
Used in documents in place of the
uxor wife wife's name. Usually abbreviated
et ux.
Used when considering whether
vel non or not some event or situation is either
present or it is not.
The power of an executive to
veto I forbid. prevent an action, especially the
enactment of legislation.
the other way Something that is the same either
vice versa
around way.
Used in citations to refer the
vide see
reader to another location.
Contraction of
videre licet, Used in documents to mean
videlicet meaning "it is "namely" or "that is". Usually
permitted to abbreviated viz.
see"
the chains of Something which is legally
vinculum juris
the law binding.
Force majeure, specifically
events over which no humans
greater or have control, and so cannot be
vis major
superior force held responsible. Equivalent to an
"Act of God". Compare casus
fortuitus (see above).
Abbreviation of
viz. Namely
videlicet
Notion that a person cannot bring
injury is not a claim against another for injury,
volenti non fit
done to the if said person willingly placed
injuria
willing themselves in a situation where
they knew injury could result.
Concept that if an opposing party
unreasonably delays bringing an
vigilantibus non
Equity aids the action, that it is no longer
dormientibus
vigilant, not the considered just to hear their
aequitas
sleeping claim, due to fundamental
subvenit
changes in circumstance brought
upon by their delay.
See also [ edit ]
Brocard (law)
Law French
List of Latin abbreviations
List of Latin phrases (full)
List of plain English words and phrases
References [ edit ]
1. ^ a b
Yogis, John (1995). Canadian Law Dictionary (4th ed.). Barron's Education Series.
2. ^a b c d e fg h i Benson, Marjorie L; Bowden, Marie-Ann; Newman, Dwight (2008). Understanding
Property: A Guide (2nd ed.). Thomson Carswell.
3. ^ a bc de fg
Willes, John A; Willes, John H (2012). Contemporary Canadian Business Law: Principles
and Cases (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
4. ^ Latin for Lawyers. E. Hilton Jackson (editor) (abridged, reprint ed.). The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd.
1915. p. 189. ISBN 9780963010643. citing Jenk. Cent. 290
5. ^ Blacks Law Dictionary, 9th edition
6. ^ The American jurist and law magazine 11, 1834
External links [ edit ]
Database of legal Latin terms and phrases Look up Appendix:List of

legal Latin terms in
Wiktionary, the free
dictionary.
Categories: Latin legal terms Legal terms Law lists Legal doctrines and principles
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