legal terminology

Term- mens rea Translation- Guilty mind Definition- One of the requirements for a crime to be committed, the other being actus reus, the guilt act. This essentially is the basis for the notion that those without sufficient mental capability cannot be judged guilty of a crime. “Mens rea” is a Latin term that refers to […]

Term- amicus curiae Translation- friend of the court Definition- A person who offers information to a court regarding a case before it. “Amicus curiae” is a Latin term that means “friend of the court.” In a legal context, it refers to a person or organization that is not a party to a legal case but

Term- quid pro quo Translation- this for that Definition- An equal exchange of goods or services, or of money (or other consideration of equal value) for some goods or services. “Quid pro quo” is a Latin term that means “something for something” or “this for that”. In a legal context, it refers to a situation

Term- suppressio veri Translation- suppression of the truth Definition- Willful concealment of the truth when bound to reveal it, such as withholding details of damage from an auto accident from a prospective buyer of the car in that accident. “Suppressio veri” is a Latin term that means “suppression of truth.” In a legal context, it

Term- locus standi Translation- Place of standing Definition- The right of a party to appear and be heard before a court. “Locus standi” is a Latin term that means “standing to sue” or “the right to bring an action in court.” In a legal context, it refers to the legal interest or right that a

Term- suo moto Translation- of its own motion Definition- Refers to a court or other official agency taking some action on its own accord. Similar to sua sponte. “Suo moto” is a Latin term that means “on its own motion.” In a legal context, the term is often used to describe a situation where a

Term- terra nullius Translation- no one’s land Definition- Land that has never been part of a sovereign state, or land which a sovereign state has relinquished claim to. “Terra nullius” is a Latin term that means “land belonging to no one.” In a legal context, the term is often used to describe territory that is

Term- sine die Translation- without day Definition- Used when the court is adjourning without specifying a date to re-convene. “Sine die” is a Latin term that means “without a day,” and it is often used in a legal context to indicate that a session of a legislative body or court has been adjourned indefinitely, without