Legal Terms in Latin

ius civile, civil law, referring to the laws of legal systems modeled after Roman law.

ius gentium, the law of nations, referring to International Law.

lex scripta, written law. Written laws are those passed and put into effect by a
legislative body or corporation.

lex non scripta, unwritten law. Unwritten law develops out of common practice,
custom, and usage. It is sometimes called common law.

sub iudice, before the judge, referring to a case under consideration by the judge,
or court, but not yet decided.

corpus iuris, the body of law, comprised of all the laws of a sovereign power or
legislative body collectively.

subpoena, under penalty or punishment. A subpoena is a writ naming a person and

ordering him or her to appear in court, under penalty for failure to do so.

corpus delicti, the body of the crime or offense. The corpus delicti refers to the
circumstances necessary to a crime. In murder, the corpus delicti is the fact of a
criminal agent or of the death of the victim. It does not refer to the victim's body.

onus probandi, the burden of proof. The burden of proving its case rests with the
side that makes the affirmation in a suit.

prima facie, on or at first appearance. Prima facie evidence is evidence that, at first
presentation, is adequate enough to establish a fact.

a vinculo matrimonii, from the bond of marriage. Used in a decree of absolute

divorce.

caveat emptor, let the buyer beware. The buyer buys at his or her own risk.

inter vivos, between the living. Used to indicate a gift from a living person to
another living person.

compos mentis, sound or sane of mind.

non compos mentis or non compos, not sound or sand of mind.

nolo contendere, I do not wish to contend. A plea by which a defendant is subject to

conviction, but does not admit guilt.
nolle prosequi, to be unwilling to prosecute. Abbreviated nol pros. A court record
stating that the prosecutor will not carry the suit further.

non prosequitur, he or she does not prosecute. Abbreviated non pros. Used to
indicate a decision against a plaintiff who does not appear in court to prosecute.

obiter dictum, something said along the way. Used of remarks made by a judge that
are not part of the legal decision, but are personal comments and observations on
matters relating to the case and decision.

nisi, if not, unless. Used to indicate that an order or decree will go into effect at a
specified time unless modified by further evidence or cause presented before that
time.

sui iuris or suo iure, of one's own right or in one's own right. Used of a person who
has full capacity and ability to act for himself or herself in legal preceedings.