Latin Legal Terms
A comprehensive glossary of 105+ Latin phrases used in American and Anglo-American law. Each term includes a pronunciation guide, literal Latin meaning, accurate legal definition, usage context, and example sentences drawn from legal practice.
Latin remains deeply embedded in legal language. Whether you are briefing cases, writing memos, or preparing for cold calls, familiarity with these terms is essential for every law student.
Procedure
Latin terms governing court processes, jurisdiction, appellate review, and the mechanics of litigation.
Ad Hoc/æd ˈhɒk/“For this; for this specific purpose” — Ad hoc describes something created, arranged, or done for a particular purpose or occasion, without broader or lasting application.
Ad Litem/æd ˈlaɪ.tɛm/“For the suit; for the purposes of the litigation” — Ad litem designates an appointment made solely for the purposes of a particular legal action.
Amicus Curiae/əˈmiː.kəs ˈkjʊər.i.aɪ/“Friend of the court.” — An amicus curiae is a person or organization that is not a party to a case but petitions the court or is invited by the court to file a brief offering information, expertise, or perspective relevant to the issues being decided.
Arguendo/ˌɑːr.ɡjuˈɛn.doʊ/“For the sake of argument” — Arguendo indicates that a proposition or assumption is being accepted temporarily for the purposes of argument, without conceding that it is true.
Certiorari/ˌsɜːr.ʃi.əˈrɛər.aɪ/“To be made more certain; to be informed.” — Certiorari is a writ issued by a higher court directing a lower court to send up the record of a case for review.
Curia Advisari Vult/ˈkjʊər.i.ə æd.vaɪˈzɑː.riː vʌlt/“The court wishes to be advised” — Curia advisari vult, commonly abbreviated as cur.
De Novo/deɪ ˈnoʊ.voʊ/“Anew; from the beginning.” — De novo refers to a standard of review under which an appellate court examines a legal question independently, without giving deference to the lower court's conclusions.
Dubitante/ˌdjuː.bɪˈtæn.teɪ/“Doubting; being in doubt” — Dubitante is a notation used in judicial opinions indicating that a judge has doubts about the legal proposition being adopted by the majority but does not feel strongly enough to file a formal dissent.
Duces Tecum/ˈdjuː.siːz ˈteɪ.kəm/“You shall bring with you.” — Duces tecum is a type of subpoena that commands the recipient to produce documents, records, or other tangible evidence in their possession or control.
Ex Parte/ˌɛks ˈpɑːr.teɪ/“From one party; on one side only.” — Ex parte refers to a proceeding or communication involving only one party, without notice to or participation by the opposing side.
Habeas Corpus/ˈheɪ.bi.əs ˈkɔːr.pəs/“You shall have the body.” — Habeas corpus is a constitutional writ directing a custodian — typically a warden or government official — to bring a detained person before a court so the legality of that detention can be examined.
In Camera/ɪn ˈkæm.ər.ə/“In chambers; in private.” — In camera refers to a proceeding or examination conducted in private, typically in a judge's chambers, rather than in open court.
In Forma Pauperis/ɪn ˈfɔːr.mə ˈpɔː.pər.ɪs/“In the manner of a pauper” — In forma pauperis (IFP) is a legal status granted to individuals who cannot afford the costs of litigation, allowing them to proceed without prepaying court fees, filing fees, or other expenses normally required.
In Limine/ɪn ˈlɪm.ɪ.neɪ/“At the threshold; at the outset.” — A motion in limine is a pretrial motion requesting the court to rule on the admissibility of evidence before it is presented to the jury.
In Personam/ɪn pɜːrˈsoʊ.næm/“Against the person.” — In personam jurisdiction is the power of a court over a specific individual or entity, enabling the court to impose a personal obligation or liability on that party.
In Rem/ɪn ˈrɛm/“Against the thing.” — In rem jurisdiction is a court's power over a specific piece of property or a status (such as a marriage), rather than over a particular person.
Lex Fori/lɛks ˈfɔːr.aɪ/“The law of the forum; the law of the court” — Lex fori refers to the law of the jurisdiction in which the court hearing the case is situated.
Mandamus/mænˈdeɪ.məs/“We command.” — Mandamus is an extraordinary writ issued by a superior court commanding a lower court, government official, or public body to perform a mandatory duty or to correct an abuse of discretion amounting to a usurpation of judicial power.
Mandamus/mænˈdeɪ.məs/“We command” — Mandamus is an extraordinary writ issued by a superior court commanding a lower court, government official, or administrative body to perform a mandatory or purely ministerial duty that they have failed or refused to perform.
Moot/muːt/“Open to debate. (Old English / Germanic origin)” — A case is moot when the issues presented are no longer live or the parties lack a legally cognizable interest in the outcome.
Nisi/ˈnaɪ.saɪ/“Unless” — Nisi indicates that a court's order or decree will become final and absolute unless a specified condition is met or a party shows cause why it should not take effect within a given period.
Pendente Lite/pɛnˈdɛn.teɪ ˈlaɪ.tiː/“While the litigation is pending; during the suit” — Pendente lite describes orders, actions, or conditions that exist or are imposed during the pendency of a lawsuit, remaining in effect only until the litigation is resolved.
Per Curiam/pɜːr ˈkjʊər.i.æm/“By the court.” — A per curiam opinion is a decision issued by an appellate court as a whole, rather than authored by a named individual judge.
Pro Se/ˌproʊ ˈseɪ/“For oneself; on one's own behalf.” — Pro se (also called pro per, short for in propria persona) refers to a party who represents themselves in a legal proceeding without the assistance of an attorney.
Pro Tempore/proʊ ˈtɛm.pə.riː/“For the time being; temporarily” — Pro tempore (often abbreviated pro tem) designates a person who serves temporarily in a position that is otherwise held by someone else.
Res Judicata/ˌreɪz ˌdʒuː.dɪˈkɑː.tə/“A matter judged.” — Res judicata, also known as claim preclusion, prevents parties from relitigating a claim that has been finally adjudicated on the merits.
Sua Sponte/ˈsuː.ə ˈspɒn.teɪ/“Of its own accord; voluntarily.” — Sua sponte describes an action taken by a court on its own initiative, without a motion or request from either party.
Sub Judice/sʌb ˈdʒuː.dɪ.siː/“Under a judge” — Sub judice refers to a matter that is currently before a court or under judicial consideration and therefore cannot be publicly discussed or interfered with in ways that might prejudice the proceedings.
Subpoena/səˈpiː.nə/“Under penalty.” — A subpoena is a court-issued command requiring a person to appear and give testimony (subpoena ad testificandum) or to produce documents, records, or other tangible evidence (subpoena duces tecum).
Venire/vɪˈnaɪ.riː/“To come” — Venire, short for venire facias (cause to come), refers both to the writ summoning prospective jurors to court and to the panel of prospective jurors summoned for jury selection.
Voir Dire/ˌvwɑːr ˈdɪr/“To speak the truth. (Law French)” — Voir dire is the process by which prospective jurors are questioned by attorneys and the judge to determine their qualifications and potential biases before being selected to serve on a jury.
Criminal
Latin terminology for the elements of crimes, pleas, classifications of offenses, and constitutional protections.
Actus Reus/ˌæk.təs ˈriː.əs/“Guilty act.” — Actus reus is the physical element of a crime — the voluntary act, omission (where a legal duty to act exists), or state of possession that constitutes the prohibited conduct.
Corpus Delicti/ˌkɔːr.pəs dɪˈlɪk.taɪ/“Body of the crime.” — Corpus delicti refers to the substantive evidence establishing that a crime has occurred.
Error Coram Nobis/ˈɛr.ɔːr ˈkɔːr.æm ˈnoʊ.bɪs/“Error before us (the court itself)” — Error coram nobis (also writ of coram nobis) is an extraordinary post-conviction remedy that asks the court that rendered the original judgment to vacate it based on a fundamental error of fact that was not known to the court or the defendant at the time of trial.
Ex Post Facto/ˌɛks ˌpoʊst ˈfæk.toʊ/“From after the fact.” — An ex post facto law is one that retroactively criminalizes conduct that was legal when performed, increases the punishment for a crime after it was committed, reduces the evidence required to convict, or otherwise disadvantages a defendant by changing the legal consequences of acts already completed.
In Flagrante Delicto/ɪn fləˈɡræn.teɪ dɪˈlɪk.toʊ/“In the blazing offense; caught in the act” — In flagrante delicto describes the situation where a person is caught in the very act of committing an offense.
Mala in Se/ˌmæl.ə ɪn ˈseɪ/“Wrong in itself.” — Mala in se refers to acts that are inherently wrong, immoral, or evil by their very nature, regardless of whether a statute prohibits them.
Mala Prohibita/ˌmæl.ə proʊˈhɪb.ɪ.tə/“Wrong because prohibited.” — Mala prohibita refers to acts that are criminal not because they are inherently immoral but because a statute or regulation declares them unlawful.
Mens Rea/ˌmɛnz ˈriː.ə/“Guilty mind.” — Mens rea is the mental state or intent required to establish criminal liability for a particular offense.
Nolle Prosequi/ˈnɒl.iː ˈprɒs.ɪ.kwaɪ/“To be unwilling to pursue” — Nolle prosequi (often abbreviated nol pros) is a formal entry on the record by the prosecuting attorney declaring that criminal charges against the defendant will not be pursued further.
Nolo Contendere/ˌnoʊ.loʊ kənˈtɛn.dər.eɪ/“I do not wish to contend.” — Nolo contendere (often shortened to 'nolo' or 'no contest') is a plea in a criminal case in which the defendant neither admits nor denies the charges but agrees to accept punishment as though guilty.
Torts
Latin doctrines addressing negligence, vicarious liability, and the allocation of fault in civil wrongs.
Ex Delicto/ɛks dɪˈlɪk.toʊ/“From or arising out of a wrongful act; from a tort” — Ex delicto describes a cause of action or legal obligation that arises from a tort or wrongful act rather than from a contractual relationship.
Novus Actus Interveniens/ˈnoʊ.vəs ˈæk.təs ˌɪn.tərˈviː.ni.ɛnz/“A new intervening act” — Novus actus interveniens refers to an independent, intervening act that breaks the chain of causation between a defendant's original negligent conduct and the plaintiff's ultimate injury.
Res Ipsa Loquitur/ˌreɪz ˌɪp.sə ˈloʊ.kwɪ.tɜːr/“The thing speaks for itself.” — Res ipsa loquitur is a tort doctrine that allows a plaintiff to establish a prima facie case of negligence through circumstantial evidence when direct evidence of the defendant's specific act of negligence is unavailable.
Respondeat Superior/rɪˌspɒn.di.æt suːˈpɪər.i.ɔːr/“Let the master answer.” — Respondeat superior is a doctrine of vicarious liability holding that an employer is liable for the tortious acts of an employee committed within the scope of employment.
Respondeat Superior/rɪˈspɒn.di.æt suːˈpɪər.i.ɔːr/“Let the master answer” — Respondeat superior is a doctrine of vicarious liability that holds an employer or principal legally responsible for the wrongful acts of an employee or agent committed within the scope of employment or agency.
Sine Qua Non/ˌsɪ.neɪ kwɑː ˈnɒn/“Without which not” — Sine qua non describes an indispensable condition or element without which something cannot exist or occur.
Volenti Non Fit Injuria/vɒˈlɛn.taɪ nɒn fɪt ɪnˈdʒʊə.ri.ə/“To a willing person, no injury is done” — Volenti non fit injuria is a common law defense in tort cases holding that a person who voluntarily assumes the risk of harm arising from another's negligent or dangerous activity cannot later recover damages for injuries sustained.
Contracts
Latin terms relating to the formation, exchange, and risk allocation in contractual agreements.
Caveat Emptor/ˌkæv.i.æt ˈɛmp.tɔːr/“Let the buyer beware.” — Caveat emptor is a principle placing the burden on the buyer to perform due diligence before completing a purchase.
Consensus Ad Idem/kənˈsɛn.səs æd ˈaɪ.dɛm/“Agreement to the same thing” — Consensus ad idem, also known as a meeting of the minds, is a fundamental requirement of contract formation holding that all parties must share the same understanding of the essential terms and subject matter of the agreement.
Ex Contractu/ɛks kɒnˈtræk.tjuː/“From or arising out of a contract” — Ex contractu describes a cause of action or legal obligation that arises from a contractual relationship between the parties.
Pari Passu/ˈpær.iː ˈpæs.uː/“With equal step; on equal footing” — Pari passu denotes equal treatment or proportional distribution among two or more parties with equivalent claims.
Pro Rata/proʊ ˈreɪ.tə/“In proportion; according to the rate” — Pro rata means proportionally, according to a calculated share or rate.
Quantum Meruit/ˈkwɒn.tʌm ˈmɛr.uː.ɪt/“As much as one has deserved” — Quantum meruit is an equitable doctrine that allows a party to recover the reasonable value of services rendered or materials provided when no express contract exists or when a contract has been breached or is unenforceable.
Quid Pro Quo/ˌkwɪd ˌproʊ ˈkwoʊ/“Something for something.” — Quid pro quo refers to an exchange in which one thing is given in return for another.
Vis Major/vɪs ˈmeɪ.dʒər/“Greater force” — Vis major, also known as force majeure or an act of God, refers to an extraordinary and irresistible natural event or force that is beyond human control and could not have been foreseen or prevented.
Property
Latin phrases used in property law, real estate transactions, and land use disputes.
Donatio Mortis Causa/doʊˈneɪ.ʃi.oʊ ˈmɔːr.tɪs ˈkɔː.zə/“A gift on account of death” — Donatio mortis causa is a gift of personal property made by a donor in contemplation of their impending death, subject to the condition that it becomes effective only upon the donor's death and is automatically revoked if the donor survives.
In Futuro/ɪn fjuːˈtjʊər.oʊ/“In the future” — In futuro refers to something that is to take effect or come into existence at a future time.
Lis Pendens/lɪs ˈpɛn.dɛnz/“A pending suit; litigation pending” — Lis pendens is a notice filed in the public records to alert third parties that a lawsuit is pending that may affect the title to or possession of real property.
Per Capita/pɜːr ˈkæp.ɪ.tə/“By the head” — Per capita is a method of distributing an estate or property in which each eligible recipient takes an equal share regardless of generational level.
Per Stirpes/pɜːr ˈstɜːr.piːz/“By the roots or by the branch” — Per stirpes is a method of distributing a decedent's estate in which each branch of the family receives an equal share, and if a member of a generation predeceases the decedent, that person's share passes down to their own descendants rather than being redistributed among the surviving members of the same generation.
Replevin/rɪˈplɛv.ɪn/“To recover a pledge (from Latin replevina, to refill or restore)” — Replevin is a legal action to recover specific personal property that has been wrongfully taken or detained by another party.
Situs/ˈsaɪ.təs/“Position or site” — Situs refers to the location or place where something is considered to exist for legal purposes, particularly for determining which jurisdiction's law governs matters relating to that thing.
Terra Nullius/ˈtɛr.ə nʌˈlaɪ.əs/“Nobody's land” — Terra nullius is a doctrine of international law holding that territory not under the sovereignty of any recognized state may be acquired by a state through occupation and effective control.
Constitutional
Latin expressions appearing in constitutional law, civil rights, and governmental powers analysis.
De Facto/deɪ ˈfæk.toʊ/“In fact; in reality” — De facto describes a state of affairs that exists in practice or reality, regardless of whether it has been formally or legally established.
De Jure/deɪ ˈdʒʊr.iː/“By right; according to law” — De jure describes a state of affairs that exists as a matter of law, by official decree, or through legitimate legal authority, regardless of whether it corresponds to practical reality.
In Loco Parentis/ɪn ˈloʊ.koʊ pəˈrɛn.tɪs/“In the place of a parent” — In loco parentis describes a relationship in which a person or institution assumes the rights, duties, and responsibilities of a parent with respect to a child, without a formal adoption.
Parens Patriae/ˈpɛər.ɛnz ˈpæt.ri.iː/“Parent of the nation; parent of the fatherland” — Parens patriae is the doctrine under which the state acts as the guardian or protector of persons who are unable to care for themselves, including minors, the mentally incompetent, and the general public.
Ultra Vires/ˌʌl.trə ˈvaɪ.riːz/“Beyond the powers” — Ultra vires describes an act performed by an entity or official that exceeds the scope of authority granted by law, charter, or governing instrument.
Evidence
Latin terms governing admissibility, burden of proof, and evidentiary standards in litigation.
Equity
Latin maxims and doctrines from courts of equity, including remedies and equitable principles.
Cy Pres/siː ˈpreɪ/“As near as possible (from Norman French cy pres comme possible)” — Cy pres is an equitable doctrine that allows a court to modify the terms of a charitable gift or trust when the donor's original charitable purpose becomes impossible, impracticable, or illegal to fulfill.
Laches/ˈlætʃ.ɪz/“Negligence or slackness (from Latin laxus, meaning loose)” — Laches is an equitable defense barring a claim when the plaintiff has unreasonably delayed in asserting a right or bringing a claim, and that delay has resulted in prejudice to the defendant.
Status Quo Ante/ˌsteɪ.təs kwoʊ ˈæn.tiː/“The state of affairs that existed before” — Status quo ante refers to the conditions or circumstances that existed before a particular event, action, or legal dispute arose.
General
Foundational Latin phrases used across all areas of law, from case analysis to legal writing conventions.
Ab Initio/æb ɪˈnɪʃ.i.oʊ/“From the beginning” — Ab initio refers to something that is deemed to have been the case from the very start, rather than from the date a court or party declares it so.
Animus/ˈæn.ɪ.məs/“Mind, intention, or spirit” — Animus refers to the mental state, intention, or purpose behind an act.
Bona Fide/ˈboʊ.nə ˈfaɪd/“In good faith.” — Bona fide means genuine, sincere, or made in good faith without intent to deceive.
Bona Fide/ˈboʊ.nə ˈfaɪ.diː/“In good faith” — Bona fide denotes genuineness, sincerity, and the absence of fraud or deceit in a transaction, claim, or status.
Contra/ˈkɒn.trə/“Against; on the other hand” — Contra is used in legal writing to indicate a contrary authority or opposing position.
Corpus Juris/ˈkɔːr.pəs ˈdʒʊər.ɪs/“Body of law” — Corpus juris refers to the entire body or collection of law, encompassing statutes, case law, regulations, and legal principles that constitute the legal system of a jurisdiction.
De Facto/ˌdeɪ ˈfæk.toʊ/“In fact; in reality.” — De facto describes a state of affairs that exists in practice or reality, regardless of whether it has been formally or legally established.
De Jure/ˌdeɪ ˈdʒʊr.eɪ/“By law; by right.” — De jure describes a state of affairs that exists as a result of formal legal action, statute, or official decree.
De Minimis/deɪ ˈmɪn.ɪ.mɪs/“About minimal things” — De minimis, derived from the maxim de minimis non curat lex (the law does not concern itself with trifles), describes matters so minor or insignificant that the law will not take notice of them.
Dictum/ˈdɪk.təm/“A thing said; a remark” — Dictum (plural: dicta) refers to a statement in a judicial opinion that is not essential to the resolution of the case before the court and therefore does not constitute binding precedent.
Erga Omnes/ˈɜːr.ɡɑː ˈɒm.niːz/“Toward all” — Erga omnes describes legal obligations or rights that are owed to or enforceable against the entire international community or all persons, rather than arising only between specific parties.
Et Al./ˌɛt ˈæl/“And others. (Abbreviation of et alii / et alia.)” — Et al.
Ex Gratia/ɛks ˈɡreɪ.ʃi.ə/“From grace or favor” — Ex gratia describes a payment or act performed voluntarily, out of kindness or moral obligation, without any legal duty or admission of liability.
In Toto/ɪn ˈtoʊ.toʊ/“In total; entirely; wholly” — In toto means completely, entirely, or as a whole.
Inter Alia/ˌɪn.tər ˈeɪ.li.ə/“Among other things.” — Inter alia is a phrase used to indicate that a list is not exhaustive — that the items mentioned are only a subset of a larger group.
Ipso Facto/ˌɪp.soʊ ˈfæk.toʊ/“By the fact itself.” — Ipso facto indicates that a particular consequence follows automatically from a given fact or state of affairs, without the need for further action or judicial determination.
Ipso Facto/ˈɪp.soʊ ˈfæk.toʊ/“By the fact itself; by that very fact” — Ipso facto indicates that a certain consequence follows automatically and necessarily from a particular fact or state of affairs, without the need for any further action, declaration, or judicial determination.
Jus Cogens/dʒʌs ˈkoʊ.dʒɛnz/“Compelling law; peremptory law” — Jus cogens (also ius cogens) refers to peremptory norms of international law from which no derogation is permitted.
Non Compos Mentis/nɒn ˈkɒm.pɒs ˈmɛn.tɪs/“Not of sound mind” — Non compos mentis describes a person who lacks the mental capacity to understand the nature and consequences of their actions due to mental illness, intellectual disability, intoxication, or other cognitive impairment.
Non Sequitur/nɒn ˈsɛk.wɪ.tɜːr/“It does not follow” — Non sequitur describes a conclusion or argument that does not logically follow from the premises or evidence presented.
Obiter Dictum/ˈɒb.ɪ.tər ˈdɪk.təm/“A thing said in passing.” — Obiter dictum (plural: obiter dicta, commonly shortened to 'dicta') refers to statements in a judicial opinion that are not essential to the court's holding and therefore do not constitute binding precedent.
Per Se/pɜːr ˈseɪ/“By itself; in itself; intrinsically” — Per se denotes that something is inherently or automatically so, without the need for additional proof or analysis.
Prima Facie/ˌpraɪ.mə ˈfeɪ.ʃi/“At first sight; on its face.” — Prima facie describes evidence or a case that, if unrebutted, is sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption of fact.
Pro Bono/ˌproʊ ˈboʊ.noʊ/“For the good (of the public).” — Pro bono (short for pro bono publico) refers to legal services provided free of charge or at substantially reduced cost as a public service, typically for individuals or organizations that cannot afford legal representation.
Pro Forma/proʊ ˈfɔːr.mə/“For the sake of form; as a matter of form” — Pro forma describes an action, document, or proceeding done as a formality or for the sake of compliance with required procedure, often without substantive deliberation.
Quasi/ˈkweɪ.zaɪ/“As if; seemingly.” — Quasi is a Latin prefix meaning 'as if' or 'resembling,' used in legal terminology to describe something that has some but not all characteristics of the thing it is compared to.
Quid Pro Quo/ˌkwɪd proʊ ˈkwoʊ/“Something for something” — Quid pro quo refers to an exchange of value between parties in which one thing is given in return for another.
Ratio Decidendi/ˌreɪ.ʃi.oʊ ˌdɛs.ɪˈdɛn.daɪ/“The reason for deciding.” — Ratio decidendi is the legal principle or reasoning that forms the binding part of a judicial decision.
Scienter/saɪˈɛn.tər/“Knowingly” — Scienter refers to a defendant's knowledge that their conduct was wrongful or that a particular fact existed at the time of the act.
Stare Decisis/ˈstɛər.i dɪˈsaɪ.sɪs/“To stand by things decided.” — Stare decisis is the doctrine obligating courts to follow the holdings of prior decisions when ruling on subsequent cases presenting similar facts and legal issues.
Sui Generis/ˌsuː.aɪ ˈdʒɛn.ər.ɪs/“Of its own kind” — Sui generis describes something that is unique, in a class by itself, and not readily categorized under existing legal frameworks or doctrines.
Ubi Jus Ibi Remedium/ˈuː.biː dʒʌs ˈɪ.biː rɪˈmiː.di.əm/“Where there is a right, there is a remedy” — Ubi jus ibi remedium is a foundational legal maxim holding that for every violation of a legal right, the law must provide a corresponding remedy.