Essential Latin Legal Words ✔
For English legal Words Click Here..
Explore our comprehensive collection of Latin terms commonly used in law, providing clarity and understanding for legal professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Ø a fortiori – With stronger reason
Ø a mensa et thoro – From table and bed (a legal term referring to a separation that does not dissolve the marriage)
Ø a posteriori – From what comes after (a method of reasoning from effect to cause)
Ø a priori – From what comes before (a method of reasoning from cause to effect)
Ø a quo – From which (point or place)
Ø ab extra – From outside (external to a thing or concept)
Ø ab initio – From the beginning (from the outset)
Ø absque hoc – Without this (omitting this)
Ø Actio non datur non damnificato – Action is not given to one not injured (legal principle that one must suffer injury to have standing to sue)
Ø Actus legis nemini facit injurium – The act of the law does injury to no one (a legal principle stating that compliance with the law does not cause harm)
Ø Actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit rea – An act does not make one guilty, unless the mind is also guilty (a legal principle stating that intent is necessary for criminal liability)
Ø actus reus – Guilty act (the physical act that constitutes a crime)
Ø ad coelum – To the heavens (a legal concept related to property ownership extending to the sky above)
Ø ad colligenda bona – For collecting goods (a legal term related to the collection of assets)
Ø ad hoc – For this purpose (created or done for a particular purpose)
Ø ad hominem – To the person (directed against a person rather than their argument)
Ø ad idem – To the same thing (agreement in understanding)
Ø ad infinitum – To infinity (without limit)
Ø ad litem – For the suit (appointed or designated for the duration of a legal action)
Ø ad quod damnum – To what damage (inquiry into the extent of harm)
Ø ad valorem – According to value (a tax or duty based on the assessed value of goods)
Ø adjournment sine die – Adjournment without a day (postponement without setting a future date)
Ø affidavit – Sworn statement (a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation)
Ø allocatur – It is allowed (a judicial order allowing a claim)
Ø alter ego – Other self (someone’s very close and trusted friend)
Ø Alteri stipulari nemo potest – No one can stipulate for another (a principle that only parties to a contract can enforce it)
Ø amicus curiae – Friend of the court (a person who advises the court in a legal case)
Ø animus contrahendi – Intention to contract (the intent to enter into a legally binding agreement)
Ø animus manendi – Intention to remain (the intent to stay in a particular place)
Ø animus nocendi – Intention to harm (the intent to cause injury)
Ø animus possidendi – Intention to possess (the intent to exercise control over property)
Ø animus revertendi – Intention to return (the intent to come back to a place)
Ø animus testandi – Intention to make a will (the intent to create a legal document disposing of one’s property after death)
Ø ante – Before (prior to)
Ø (in) arguendo – For the sake of argument (used in legal discourse to denote a proposition set forth for discussion)
Ø bona fide – In good faith (honestly or sincerely)
Ø bona vacantia – Vacant goods (property without an owner)
Ø cadit quaestio – The question falls (the matter is settled)
Ø casus belli – Cause of war (an event or action that justifies a declaration of war)
Ø caveat – Let him beware (a warning)
Ø caveat emptor – Let the buyer beware (principle that the buyer is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before purchase)
Ø certiorari – To be made more certain (a writ seeking judicial review)
Ø cessante ratione legis cessat ipsa lex – The reason for the law ceasing, the law itself ceases (a legal maxim stating that laws become obsolete when the reasons for their enactment no longer exist)
Ø ceteris paribus – All other things being equal (assuming that all other relevant factors remain unchanged)
Ø compos mentis – Of sound mind (mentally competent)
Ø condicio sine qua non – Condition without which not (an essential condition)
Ø consensus ad idem – Agreement to the same thing (mutual agreement)
Ø contra – Against (opposite or contrary to)
Ø contra legem – Against the law (contrary to the law)
Ø contradictio in adjecto – Contradiction in terms (a statement that contradicts itself)
Ø contra proferentem – Against the one who makes the statement (a rule of construction holding that ambiguities in a contract are construed against the party who drafted it)
Ø coram non judice – Before one not a judge (in the presence of someone who is not a judge)
Ø corpus delicti – Body of the crime (the material substance on which a crime has been committed)
Ø corpus juris – Body of the law (the entire body of laws)
Ø corpus juris civilis – Body of civil law (the body of Roman civil law collected by Justinian)
Ø corpus juris gentium – Body of the law of nations (the body of international law)
Ø corpus juris secundum – Body of the law as it exists (a comprehensive legal encyclopedia)
Ø crimen falsi – Crime of falsification (a crime involving dishonesty or deceit)
Ø cui bono – To whose benefit (used to suggest that the person who benefits from a crime is likely the perpetrator)
Ø curia advisari vult – The court wishes to be advised (a phrase indicating that the court is considering the matter)
Ø de bonis asportatis – Concerning goods carried away (related to the theft or removal of goods)
Ø debellatio – Subjugation (the act of conquering or subduing)
Ø de bonis non administratis – Concerning goods not administered (related to the assets of a deceased person not yet distributed)
Ø de die in diem – From day to day (on a daily basis)
Ø de facto – From the fact (in reality)
Ø de futuro – Concerning the future
Ø de integro – Anew, afresh
Ø de jure – By law, legally
Ø de lege ferenda – Concerning the law as it should be
Ø de lege lata – Concerning the law as it is
Ø de minimis – About insignificant things
Ø de minimis non curat lex – The law does not concern itself with trifles
Ø de novo – Anew, from the beginning
Ø deorum injuriae diis curae – Offenses to the gods are the concern of the gods
Ø dictum – Statement, declaration
Ø doli incapax – Incapable of deceit (referring to someone legally incapable of committing fraud)
Ø dolus bonus – Good intent, good faith
Ø dolus malus – Bad intent, malicious intent
Ø dolus specialis – Specific intent (a legal term referring to a specific fraudulent purpose)
Ø domitae naturae – Of tamed nature (referring to animals that have been domesticated)
Ø donatio mortis causa – Gift in contemplation of death (a gift made in anticipation of one’s death)
Ø dramatis personae – Characters of the drama (referring to the parties involved in a legal case)
Ø duces tecum – You shall bring with you (a legal order to produce specified documents or evidence)
Ø ejusdem generis – Of the same kind (a legal principle stating that when a list of specific items is followed by more general wording, the general wording should be interpreted to include only items of the same kind as those specifically listed)
Ø eo nomine – By that name (referring to something being referred to by a specific name)
Ø erga omnes – Toward all (referring to legal rights or obligations that apply universally)
Ø ergo – Therefore, consequently
Ø erratum – Error (referring to a mistake in a legal document)
Ø et al. – And others (abbreviated form used to indicate additional persons or things)
Ø et cetera – And the rest, and so forth
Ø et seq. – And the following (used in legal citations to indicate that the subsequent pages or sections of a document are also relevant)
Ø et uxor – And wife (referring to a husband and his wife)
Ø et vir – And husband (referring to a wife and her husband)
Ø ex aequo et bono – According to what is fair and good (a legal principle allowing a decision to be made based on fairness and equity rather than strict law)
Ø ex ante – From before (referring to something considered before an event)
Ø ex cathedra – With authority (referring to a statement made with authority, especially by someone in a position of power or expertise)
Ø ex concessis – By what has been granted (referring to a conclusion based on agreed-upon premises)
Ø ex delicto – From a wrong (referring to liability arising from a wrongful act)
Ø ex demissione – From demise (referring to a lease or grant)
Ø Ex dolo malo non oritur actio – No action arises from fraud (a legal principle stating that a claim cannot arise from one’s own frau)
Essential Latin Legal Words
Ø ex facie – On the face of it (referring to something evident from the first view)
Ø ex fida bona – From good faith (referring to something done in good faith)
Ø ex gratia – From grace (referring to something done voluntarily, out of kindness)
Ø ex officio – By virtue of office (referring to something done as a result of one’s official position)
Ø ex parte – From one party (referring to legal proceedings involving only one party)
Ø ex post – After the fact (referring to something considered after an event)
Ø ex post facto – After the fact (retroactively, especially in reference to laws)
Ø ex post facto law – Law enacted after the fact (a law that retroactively changes the legal consequences of actions)
Ø ex proprio motu – On one’s own motion (referring to something done voluntarily)
Ø ex rel – On behalf of (referring to legal proceedings brought by a person acting on behalf of another)
Ø ex tempore – On the spur of the moment (referring to something done spontaneously or without preparation)
Ø exempli gratia – For example, for instance
Ø ex tunc – From then (referring to something being effective from a specified earlier time)
Ø Ex turpi causa non oritur actio – No action arises from an immoral cause (a legal principle stating that one cannot seek relief from a court if their claim arises from an illegal or immoral act)
Ø ex nunc – From now (referring to something being effective from a specified later time)
Ø extant – Existing, still in existence
Ø facio ut facias – I do that you may do (referring to a legal principle where one party performs an act with the expectation that the other party will reciprocate)
Ø factum – A deed, an act
Ø favor contractus – Favorable to the contract (a legal principle favoring the enforcement of contracts)
Ø felo de se – Felon of himself (a suicide; historically, a person who commits suicide was considered a felon)
Ø ferae naturae – Of wild nature (referring to wild animals)
Ø fiat – Let it be done (an order or decree)
Ø fieri facias – That you cause to be done (a writ of execution ordering a sheriff to seize and sell the property of a judgment debtor)
Ø fortis attachiamentum, validior praesumptionem – Strong attachment creates a stronger presumption (a legal principle stating that a strong attachment to property creates a stronger presumption of ownership)
Ø forum non conveniens – Inconvenient forum (a legal doctrine allowing a court to dismiss a case if another court is more appropriate for adjudication)
Ø fumus boni iuris – Smoke of good law (a legal term referring to a strong appearance of a legal right)
Ø functus officio – Having discharged one’s duty (referring to a person who has fulfilled their role and no longer has authority)
Ø gravamen – Burden, grievance (a legal term referring to the essential point of a complaint or charge)
Ø guardian ad litem – Guardian for the suit (a person appointed by a court to represent the interests of a minor or incapacitated person in legal proceedings)
Ø habeas corpus – You shall have the body (a legal action requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure the person’s release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention)
Ø hostis humani generis – Enemy of mankind (a legal term referring to pirates and other criminals regarded as enemies of all nations)
Ø imprimatur – Let it be printed (an official license to print or publish a book)
Ø in absentia – In absence (proceedings taking place in the absence of a party)
Ø in articulo mortis – At the point of death (referring to something happening at the moment of death)
Ø in camera – In chambers (referring to a private hearing in a judge’s chambers)
Ø in curia – In court (referring to something taking place in a court of law)
Ø in esse – In being (existing)
Ø in extenso – In full (completely)
Ø in extremis – In extreme circumstances (referring to something happening at the point of death or under extreme conditions)
Ø in flagrante delicto – In the heat of the offense (referring to someone being caught in the act of committing an offense)
Ø in forma pauperis – In the form of a pauper (allowing a person to proceed with a legal action without paying court fees or costs because of indigence)
Ø in futuro – In the future (referring to something occurring in the future)
Ø in haec verba – In these words (verbatim)
Ø in limine – On the threshold (referring to a legal motion made at the outset of a case)
Ø in loco parentis – In the place of a parent (referring to someone who assumes the responsibilities of a parent)
Ø in mitius – In the milder (referring to a more lenient interpretation or application of the law)
Ø in omnibus – In all things (referring to something being applicable universally)
Ø in pari delicto – In equal fault (referring to a situation where both parties are equally at fault)
Ø in pari materia – In similar matter (referring to statutes or legal provisions dealing with similar subject matter)
Ø in personam – Against the person (referring to legal actions directed against a specific person)
Ø in pleno – In full (referring to a full session of a court)
Ø in propria persona – In one’s own person (referring to someone representing themselves in a legal proceeding)
Ø in re – In the matter of (referring to legal proceedings concerning a specific matter or thing)
Ø in rem – Against the thing (referring to legal actions directed against property rather than a person)
Ø in situ – In its place (referring to something being in its original or natural position)
Ø in terrorem – As a warning (referring to a provision in a will intended to discourage challenges to the will)
Ø in terrorem clause – A clause intended to discourage (a provision in a legal document intended to deter certain actions)
Ø in toto – In total (completely)
Ø indicia – Signs, indications (evidence)
Ø infra – Below, beneath (referring to something mentioned later in a text)
Ø iniuria sine damno – Injury without damage (a legal principle stating that injury alone, without resulting damage, does not give rise to a legal claim)
Ø innuendo – By hinting (referring to a hint or insinuation, especially in a legal context)
Ø inter alia – Among other things (referring to something being part of a list of other things)
Ø inter rusticos – Among country people (referring to a legal principle applied in rural communities)
Ø inter se – Among themselves (referring to legal relations between parties)
Ø inter vivos – Between the living (referring to transactions or agreements made between living persons)
Ø intra – Within (inside)
Ø intra fauces terrae – Within the jaws of the earth (referring to underground or mineral rights)
Ø intra legem – Within the law (in compliance with the law)
Ø intra vires – Within the powers (referring to actions within one’s legal authority)
Ø ipse dixit – He himself said it (referring to an unsupported assertion)
Ø ipsissima verba – The very words (verbatim)
Ø ipso facto – By the fact itself (automatically)
Ø ipso jure – By the law itself (by operation of law)
Ø ius civile vigilantibus scriptum est – The civil law is written for the vigilant (a legal maxim indicating that individuals must be vigilant in protecting their legal rights)
Ø jurat – He swears (a person who takes an oath)
Ø juris privati – Of private law (pertaining to private rights and obligations)
Ø jus – Law, right (legal right or authority)
Ø jus accrescendi – Right of survivorship (the right of surviving joint tenants to acquire the interest of a deceased joint tenant)
Ø jus ad bellum – Right to war (referring to the justification for engaging in war)
Ø jus civile – Civil law (the body of law governing the rights and obligations of individuals within a society)
Ø jus cogens – Compelling law (peremptory norms of international law that must be obeyed by all states)
Ø jus gentium – Law of nations (principles of law common to all nations)
Ø jus in bello – Law in war (legal principles governing conduct during war)
Ø jus inter gentes – Law between nations (international law)
Ø jus legationis – Law of embassies (the body of law governing diplomatic relations)
Ø jus naturale – Natural law (principles of law derived from nature and reason)
Ø jus primae noctis – Right of the first night (a purported legal right allowing a lord or ruler to have sexual relations with subordinate women on their wedding night)
Ø jus sanguinis – Right of blood (the principle of acquiring citizenship through descent from a citizen parent)
Ø jus soli – Right of the soil (the principle of acquiring citizenship by being born in a particular territory)
Ø jus tertii – Right of a third party (a legal principle referring to the rights of a third party in relation to a contract or dispute)
Ø lacuna – Gap, deficiency (a missing part or element in a legal document or argument)
Ø lex communis – Common law (the body of law derived from judicial decisions and custom)
Ø lex fori – Law of the forum (the law applied by a court in determining legal rights and obligations)
Ø lex lata – Law as enacted (existing law)
Ø lex loci – Law of the place (the law of the jurisdiction where an event occurs)
Ø lex scripta – Written law (statutory law)
Ø liberum veto – Free veto (a political mechanism allowing one member to block a decision in a legislative body)
Ø lingua franca – Common language (a language spoken by people who do not have a native language in common)
Ø lis alibi pendens – Suit pending elsewhere (a legal principle preventing simultaneous litigation of the same matter in different jurisdictions)
Ø lis pendens – Pending lawsuit (a legal principle referring to a lawsuit that is ongoing and undecided)
Ø locus – Place, location (a legal term referring to a place or location)
Ø locus delicti – Place of the offense (the location where a crime or tort occurred)
Ø locus in quo – Place in which (the place where an event occurred)
Ø locus poenitentiae – Place of repentance (an opportunity to retract or correct a decision before it is too late)
Ø locus standi – Standing (the legal right to bring a lawsuit or make an appeal)
Ø mala fide – In bad faith (acting with dishonest or fraudulent intentions)
Ø malum in se – Evil in itself (a wrongful act that is inherently immoral)
Ø malum prohibitum – Wrong because prohibited (an act that is wrongful only because it is prohibited by law)
Ø mandamus – We command (a writ issued by a court ordering a public official to perform a specific act)
Ø mare clausum – Closed sea (the concept of exclusive maritime jurisdiction asserted by a state over its territorial waters)
Ø mare liberum – Free sea (the concept of freedom of the seas, allowing unrestricted navigation)
Ø mea culpa – My fault (an admission of guilt or responsibility)
Ø mens rea – Guilty mind (the mental element of a crime; criminal intent)
Ø modus operandi – Method of operating (the characteristic manner of operating or functioning)
Ø mortis causa – Because of death (referring to transfers of property occurring upon death)
Ø mos pro lege – Custom as law (the principle that custom can have the force of law)
Ø motion in limine – Motion at the threshold (a motion made at the outset of a trial to exclude certain evidence)
Ø mutatis mutandis – With necessary changes (referring to a legal principle applied with appropriate alterations)
Ø ne exeat – Let him not depart (a court order preventing someone from leaving the jurisdiction)
Ø Nemo dat quod non habet – No one gives what they do not have (a legal principle stating that one cannot transfer better title than they possess)
Ø Nemo debet bis vexari (pro una et eadem causa) – No one ought to be twice vexed (for the same cause) (a legal principle preventing double jeopardy)
Ø Nemo iudex in causa sua – No one should be a judge in their own case.
Ø Nemo potest dare quod suum non est – No one can give what is not theirs.
Ø Nemo potest esse tenens et dominus – No one can be both tenant and landlord.
Ø Nemo potest mutare consilium suum in alterius iniuriam – No one can change their mind to the injury of another.
Ø Nemo potest nisi quod de jure potest – No one can do anything unless they have the legal right to do so.
Ø Nemo potest praecise cogi ad factum – No one can be precisely compelled to do a deed.
Ø Nemo potest venire contra factum proprium – No one can come against their own previous act.
Ø Nemo potest facere per alium quod per se non potest – No one can do through another what they cannot do themselves.
Ø nihil dicit – He says nothing (a plea in legal proceedings indicating that the defendant neither admits nor denies the charges).
Ø nisi – Unless.
Ø nisi prius – Unless before (a term referring to a jury trial that has been postponed or adjourned to a later date).
Ø nolle prosequi – Unwilling to prosecute (a formal notice of abandonment of further prosecution).
Ø nolo contendere – I do not wish to contend (a plea in a criminal case that does not admit guilt but subjects the defendant to punishment as if a guilty plea had been entered).
Ø non adimpleti contractus – The contract not being fulfilled (referring to a contract that has not been performed).
Ø non compos mentis – Not of sound mind (referring to someone who is mentally incompetent).
Ø non constat – It is not certain (a phrase used in legal contexts when a fact is not established or proved).
Ø non est factum – It is not his deed (a plea in legal proceedings denying the execution of a deed).
Ø non est inventus – He has not been found (a legal term indicating that a person has not been located or found).
Ø non liquet – It is not clear (a phrase used in legal contexts when a matter is not clear or evident).
Ø non obstante verdicto – Notwithstanding the verdict (a term indicating that a judgment or decision is made regardless of the jury’s verdict).
Ø novus actus interveniens – A new intervening act (referring to a new act or event that breaks the chain of causation).
Ø noscitur a sociis – It is known by its associates (a principle of statutory interpretation where the meaning of a word is determined by the words around it).
Ø nota bene – Note well (an instruction to pay particular attention to something).
Ø Nullum crimen sine lege – No crime without a law (principle stating that there can be no crime or punishment without a pre-existing law).
Ø Nulla poena sine culpa – No punishment without fault (principle stating that there can be no punishment without fault).
Ø nudum pactum – A naked agreement (referring to an agreement without consideration).
Ø nulla bona – No goods (a legal term indicating that no goods were found belonging to a judgment debtor).
Ø nunc pro tunc – Now for then (a legal term indicating that something is done retroactively).
Ø obiter dictum – A remark by the way (a statement made in passing by a judge in a legal opinion, not directly related to the case at hand).
Ø onus probandi – Burden of proof (the obligation to prove a disputed assertion or allegation in a legal proceeding).
Ø ore tenus – By word of mouth (oral testimony given under oath).
Ø pace – With peace (a term used to express respect or deference when disagreeing with someone).
Ø par delictum – Equal fault (referring to a situation where both parties are equally at fault).
Ø parens patriae – Parent of the nation (the sovereign power or authority of the state to protect persons under legal disability).
Ø pari passu – With equal step (referring to treating all creditors equally).
Ø partus sequitur ventrem – Offspring follows the womb (a legal principle stating that the status of a child follows that of its mother).
Ø pendente lite – Pending litigation (referring to a legal matter that is still undecided or pending before the courts).
Ø per capita – By the head (dividing an estate equally among all individuals).
Ø per contra – On the contrary (indicating a contrasting point of view).
Ø per curiam – By the court (referring to a decision issued by a court as a whole, rather than by an individual judge).
Ø per incuriam – Through lack of care (referring to a judgment or decision made through oversight or carelessness).
Ø per minas – By threats (referring to a contract entered into under duress or coercion).
Ø per proxima amici – Through the closest friend (a term referring to representation in legal proceedings by a close friend).
Ø per quod – Whereby (a term used in pleading to indicate the consequences of an alleged wrongful act).
Ø per se – By itself (referring to something being inherently or by itself).
Ø per stirpes – By roots (a method of distributing an estate where each branch of the family receives an equal share).
Ø periculum in mora – Danger in delay (referring to the risk or danger in delaying action).
Ø persona non grata – Unwelcome person (a diplomatic term referring to a person who is not welcome in a particular country).
Ø posse comitatus – The power of the county (referring to the authority of the county sheriff).
Ø post hoc ergo propter hoc – After this, therefore because of this (a logical fallacy in which one assumes that because one event followed another, the first event caused the second).
Ø post mortem – After death (referring to events or examinations that occur after a person’s death).
Ø post mortem auctoris – After the author’s death (referring to events or actions occurring after the death of the author).
Ø postliminium – Restoration after captivity (referring to the restoration of rights or property after the return from captivity or foreign occupation).
Ø praetor peregrinus – Praetor of foreigners (a Roman magistrate responsible for administering justice to foreigners).
Ø prima facie – At first sight (referring to evidence that, unless rebutted, is sufficient to prove a particular proposition or fact)
Ø pro bono – For the good (referring to legal services provided voluntarily and without charge, typically for public interest or charitable purposes).
Ø pro bono publico – For the public good (referring to services provided for the benefit of the public without charge).
Ø pro forma – As a matter of form (referring to something done as a formality or for the sake of appearance).
Ø pro hac vice – For this occasion (referring to an attorney admitted to practice in a particular case or jurisdiction for that case only, usually by special permission).
Ø pro per – For oneself (referring to representing oneself in a legal proceeding, also known as “pro se”).
Ø pro rata – In proportion (referring to dividing something proportionally, often used in allocating costs or benefits).
Ø pro se – For oneself (referring to representing oneself in a legal proceeding, also known as “pro per”).
Ø pro tanto – For so much (referring to something done to a limited extent or to a certain extent).
Ø pro tem – For the time being (referring to someone appointed temporarily to fulfill a role or duty).
Ø pro tempore – For the time being (referring to someone appointed temporarily to fulfill a role or duty).
Ø propria persona – In one’s own person (referring to representing oneself in a legal proceeding, similar to “pro se”).
Ø qua – In the capacity of (referring to the role or capacity in which something is considered).
Ø quae ipso usu consumuntur – Which are consumed by their very use (referring to items that are meant to be consumed in the normal course of use, such as food or fuel).
Ø quaeritur – It is asked (referring to a legal question or issue that is under consideration).
Ø quaere – Inquire (a command to investigate or inquire).
Ø quantum – How much (referring to the amount or extent of something).
Ø quantum meruit – As much as he has deserved (referring to the amount of compensation deserved for services rendered).
Ø quantum valebant – As much as they were worth (referring to the value of goods or services).
Ø quasi – As if (referring to something that resembles or is similar to something else).
Ø qui tam – Who as well (referring to a legal action brought by an individual on behalf of the government and themselves, typically in cases of fraud).
Ø quid pro quo – Something for something (referring to an exchange of goods or services, typically used in contracts to indicate reciprocal obligations).
Ø quo ante – As it was before (referring to the previous state of affairs).
Ø quo warranto – By what warrant (referring to a legal action to determine a person’s right to hold a public office or position).
Ø quoad hoc – As far as this (referring to a matter being considered or relevant only to a specific issue).
Ø R – Rex or Regina (referring to the reigning monarch in legal documents, depending on the gender).
Ø ratio decidendi – The reason for deciding (referring to the legal reasoning or principle upon which a decision is based).
Ø ratio scripta – Written reason (referring to a written explanation or justification).
Ø rationae soli – By reason of the soil (referring to ownership or rights based on land).
Ø rebus sic stantibus – With things thus standing (referring to a principle of international law allowing treaties to be invalidated if there is a fundamental change in circumstances).
Ø reddendo singula singulis – Referring each to each (referring to a rule of interpretation instructing that each word or phrase in a contract should be given its own specific meaning).
Ø res – Thing (referring to a matter or subject of legal concern).
Ø res communis – Common thing (referring to property or resources that are held in common).
Ø res derelictae – Abandoned things (referring to property that has been abandoned by its owner).
Ø res ipsa loquitur – The thing speaks for itself (referring to a doctrine where negligence can be inferred from the nature of an accident or injury).
Ø res gestae – Things done (referring to events or acts forming part of the immediate context or background).
Ø res judicata – A matter adjudged (referring to a legal doctrine barring the re-litigation of issues that have already been decided by a court).
Ø res nova – A new thing (referring to a new or novel legal matter).
Ø res nullius – Nobody’s thing (referring to property that is not owned by anyone and is available for appropriation).
Ø res publica – The public thing (referring to the state or commonwealth).
Ø respondeat superior – Let the master answer (referring to a legal doctrine holding an employer or principal liable for the wrongful acts of an employee or agent).
Ø scandalum magnatum – The scandal of the magnates (referring to a legal term for high-profile misconduct or corruption among the powerful).
Ø scienter – Knowingly (referring to knowledge or intent, particularly in cases of fraud).
Ø scire facias – Cause to know (referring to a legal writ requiring a person to show cause why a judgment should not be executed).
Ø scire feci – I caused it to be known (a phrase used to indicate that a writ has been issued).
Ø secundum formam statuti – According to the form of the statute (referring to compliance with statutory requirements)
Ø se defendendo – In self-defense (referring to actions taken to protect oneself from harm).
Ø seriatim – In series (referring to dealing with items or matters one by one in sequence).
Ø sine die – Without a day (referring to an adjournment without specifying a date for reconvening).
Ø sine qua non – Without which not (referring to an essential condition or requirement).
Ø situs – Location or place (often used in the context of the location of property for legal purposes).
Ø stare decisis – To stand by things decided (referring to the principle of precedent, where courts follow previous decisions).
Ø status quo – The existing state of affairs (referring to the current situation or condition).
Ø status quo ante – The state of affairs as it was before (referring to the previous state of affairs).
Ø statu quo – The existing state of affairs (variant spelling of “status quo”).
Ø stratum – Layer (often used in the context of geological or social layers).
Ø sua sponte – Of one’s own accord (referring to actions taken voluntarily or without external prompting).
Ø sub judice – Under judgment (referring to a matter that is under judicial consideration or before a court).
Ø sub modo – Under a condition (referring to something being subject to a condition or limitation).
Ø sub nomine – Under the name of (referring to something being done or acting under a particular name).
Ø sub silentio – In silence (referring to something done or happening without being openly expressed or acknowledged).
Ø subpoena – Under penalty (referring to a writ requiring a person to appear in court or produce evidence).
Ø subpoena ad testificandum – Under penalty to testify (referring to a subpoena requiring a person to testify as a witness).
Ø subpoena duces tecum – Under penalty to bring with you (referring to a subpoena requiring a person to bring specified documents or evidence to court).
Ø suggestio falsi – Suggestion of falsehood (referring to the act of making a false representation).
Ø sui generis – Of its own kind (referring to something unique or in a class of its own).
Ø sui juris – Of one’s own right (referring to someone who is legally competent and not under the control of another).
Ø suo motu – On its own motion (referring to something done voluntarily or at one’s own initiative).
Ø supersedeas – Let it be stayed (referring to a writ suspending the enforcement of a judgment or order).
Ø suppressio veri – Suppression of the truth (referring to the act of concealing or withholding the truth).
Ø supra – Above (referring to something mentioned earlier in a text or document).
Ø terra nullius – Nobody’s land (referring to territory that has never been subject to the sovereignty of any state or over which any prior sovereign has expressly or implicitly relinquished sovereignty).
Ø trial de novo – A trial anew (referring to a new trial conducted as if no previous trial had taken place).
Ø trinoda necessitas – Threefold necessity (referring historically to the obligations of providing military service, repairing bridges and roads, and administering justice).
Ø uberrima fides – Utmost good faith (referring to the highest standard of honesty and integrity in contractual or fiduciary relationships).
Ø ubi eadem ratio, ibi idem jus – Where there is the same reason, there is the same law (referring to the legal principle that similar circumstances should be governed by the same legal rule).
Ø ultra vires – Beyond the powers (referring to acts done by an entity that exceed the powers granted to it by law or its constitution).
Ø universitas personarum – A community of persons (referring to a group or body of individuals considered collectively).
Ø universitas rerum – A community of things (referring to a collection or aggregation of things or objects considered as a whole).
Ø uno flatu – With one breath (referring to something done or happening simultaneously or without interruption).
Ø uti possidetis – As you possess (referring to the legal principle that parties to a dispute may maintain possession of property until the dispute is resolved).
Ø uxor – Wife (referring to a married woman).
Ø vel non – Or not (used to indicate an alternative).
Ø veto – I forbid (referring to the power to reject or prohibit a decision or proposal).
Ø vice versa – The other way around (referring to a situation where the positions are reversed or the roles are exchanged).
Ø vide – See (used to direct attention to a particular point or passage).
Ø videlicet – Namely (used to introduce examples or specific instances).
Ø viz. – Namely (an abbreviation for “videlicet”, used to introduce examples or specific instances).
Ø vigilantibus non dormientibus iura subveniunt – The law assists those who are vigilant, not those who sleep (referring to the importance of being diligent and proactive in protecting one’s rights).
Read more legal Words Click Here..
Visit Marriam Webster Legal Dictionary Click Here..
