Law and Order: Latin Legalese, List 4

Many Latin words and phrases are used in English legal terminology. Learn the words on this list to build your lawyerly lexicon.
10 words 4 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. sui generis
    constituting a class of its own; unique
  2. ex post facto
    affecting things past
  3. mandamus
    a court order requiring an official to perform a function
  4. in extremis
    in grave circumstances or at the point of death
  5. pro bono
    done for the public good without compensation
  6. ad hominem
    appealing to personal considerations rather than to reason
  7. pro forma
    as a customary requirement only
  8. persona non grata
    an individual who for some reason is not wanted or welcome
  9. caveat emptor
    the principle that the buyer takes on the risk of a purchase
  10. writ of certiorari
    a legal document requesting a higher court to review a case
Created on Wed Jun 11 14:56:45 EDT 2025 (updated Wed Jun 11 15:12:52 EDT 2025)

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