Law and Order: Latin Legalese, List 1

Many Latin words and phrases are used in English legal terminology. Learn the words on this list to build your lawyerly lexicon.
10 words 6 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. ad hoc
    for one specific case
  2. de jure
    by right; according to law
  3. dictum
    an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law
  4. affidavit
    written declaration made under oath
  5. habeas corpus
    the right to a writ protecting against illegal imprisonment
  6. per capita
    relating to each person individually
  7. fiat
    a legally binding command or decision
  8. per se
    with respect to its inherent nature
  9. ergo
    (used as a sentence connector) therefore or consequently
  10. posse
    a temporary police force
Created on Wed Jun 11 14:43:09 EDT 2025 (updated Wed Jun 11 15:15:56 EDT 2025)

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