Latin legal vocabulary
Latin expressions and roots that remain important in legal English.
In general, a rule of being or of conduct, established by an authority able to enforce its will; a controlling regulation; the mode or order acc…
anchor · English legal vocabulary combines Germanic, French and Latin layers.Bona fideIn or with good faith; without fraud or deceit; real or really; actual or actually; genuine or genuinely; as, you must proceed bona fide; a bona…
core · Latin for in good faith.Habeas corpusA writ having for its object to bring a party before a court or judge; especially, one to inquire into the cause of a person's imprisonment or d…
core · A legal procedure requiring authority for detention.mens reaThe guilty state of mind required for some crimes.
core · The mental element of an offence.actus reusThe act or omission that forms the physical part of a crime.
core · The conduct element of an offence.SubpoenaA writ commanding the attendance in court, as a witness, of the person on whom it is served, under a penalty; the process by which a defendant i…
core · A legal order requiring attendance or evidence.AffidavitA sworn statement in writing; a declaration in writing, signed and made upon oath before an authorized magistrate.
core · A written statement sworn to be true.JurisdictionThe legal power, right, or authority of a particular court to hear and determine causes, to try criminals, or to execute justice; judicial autho…
core · Derived from Latin roots associated with declaring law.