Important Legal Latin Words ✔
Explore our comprehensive collection of Latin terms commonly used in law, providing clarity and understanding for legal professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Ø a fortiori - With stronger reason
Ø a mensa et thoro - From table and bed (a legal term referring to a separation that does not dissolve the marriage)
Ø a posteriori - From what comes after (a method of reasoning from effect to cause)
Ø a priori - From what comes before (a method of reasoning from cause to effect)
Ø a quo - From which (point or place)
Ø ab extra - From outside (external to a thing or concept)
Ø ab initio - From the beginning (from the outset)
Ø absque hoc - Without this (omitting this)
Ø Actio non datur non damnificato - Action is not given to one not injured (legal principle that one must suffer injury to have standing to sue)
Ø Actus legis nemini facit injurium - The act of the law does injury to no one (a legal principle stating that compliance with the law does not cause harm)
Ø Actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit rea - An act does not make one guilty, unless the mind is also guilty (a legal principle stating that intent is necessary for criminal liability)
Ø actus reus - Guilty act (the physical act that constitutes a crime)
Ø ad coelum - To the heavens (a legal concept related to property ownership extending to the sky above)
Ø ad colligenda bona - For collecting goods (a legal term related to the collection of assets)
Ø ad hoc - For this purpose (created or done for a particular purpose)
Ø ad hominem - To the person (directed against a person rather than their argument)
Ø ad idem - To the same thing (agreement in understanding)
Ø ad infinitum - To infinity (without limit)
Ø ad litem - For the suit (appointed or designated for the duration of a legal action)
Ø ad quod damnum - To what damage (inquiry into the extent of harm)
Ø ad valorem - According to value (a tax or duty based on the assessed value of goods)
Ø adjournment sine die - Adjournment without a day (postponement without setting a future date)
Ø affidavit - Sworn statement (a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation)
Ø allocatur - It is allowed (a judicial order allowing a claim)
Ø alter ego - Other self (someone's very close and trusted friend)
Ø Alteri stipulari nemo potest - No one can stipulate for another (a principle that only parties to a contract can enforce it)
Ø amicus curiae - Friend of the court (a person who advises the court in a legal case)
Ø animus contrahendi - Intention to contract (the intent to enter into a legally binding agreement)
Ø animus manendi - Intention to remain (the intent to stay in a particular place)
Ø animus nocendi - Intention to harm (the intent to cause injury)
Ø animus possidendi - Intention to possess (the intent to exercise control over property)
Ø animus revertendi - Intention to return (the intent to come back to a place)
Ø animus testandi - Intention to make a will (the intent to create a legal document disposing of one's property after death)
Ø ante - Before (prior to)
Ø (in) arguendo - For the sake of argument (used in legal discourse to denote a proposition set forth for discussion)
Ø bona fide - In good faith (honestly or sincerely)
Ø bona vacantia - Vacant goods (property without an owner)
Ø cadit quaestio - The question falls (the matter is settled)
Ø casus belli - Cause of war (an event or action that justifies a declaration of war)
Ø caveat - Let him beware (a warning)
Ø caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware (principle that the buyer is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before purchase)
Ø certiorari - To be made more certain (a writ seeking judicial review)
Ø cessante ratione legis cessat ipsa lex - The reason for the law ceasing, the law itself ceases (a legal maxim stating that laws become obsolete when the reasons for their enactment no longer exist)
Ø ceteris paribus - All other things being equal (assuming that all other relevant factors remain unchanged)
Ø compos mentis - Of sound mind (mentally competent)
Ø condicio sine qua non - Condition without which not (an essential condition)
Ø consensus ad idem - Agreement to the same thing (mutual agreement)
Ø contra - Against (opposite or contrary to)
Ø contra legem - Against the law (contrary to the law)
Ø contradictio in adjecto - Contradiction in terms (a statement that contradicts itself)
Ø contra proferentem - Against the one who makes the statement (a rule of construction holding that ambiguities in a contract are construed against the party who drafted it)
Ø coram non judice - Before one not a judge (in the presence of someone who is not a judge)
Ø corpus delicti - Body of the crime (the material substance on which a crime has been committed)
Ø corpus juris - Body of the law (the entire body of laws)
Ø corpus juris civilis - Body of civil law (the body of Roman civil law collected by Justinian)
Ø corpus juris gentium - Body of the law of nations (the body of international law)
Ø corpus juris secundum - Body of the law as it exists (a comprehensive legal encyclopedia)
Ø crimen falsi - Crime of falsification (a crime involving dishonesty or deceit)
Ø cui bono - To whose benefit (used to suggest that the person who benefits from a crime is likely the perpetrator)
Ø curia advisari vult - The court wishes to be advised (a phrase indicating that the court is considering the matter)
Ø de bonis asportatis - Concerning goods carried away (related to the theft or removal of goods)
Ø debellatio - Subjugation (the act of conquering or subduing)
Ø de bonis non administratis - Concerning goods not administered (related to the assets of a deceased person not yet distributed)
Ø de die in diem - From day to day (on a daily basis)
Ø de facto - From the fact (in reality)
Ø de futuro - Concerning the future
Ø de integro - Anew, afresh
Ø de jure - By law, legally
Ø de lege ferenda - Concerning the law as it should be
Ø de lege lata - Concerning the law as it is
Ø de minimis - About insignificant things
Ø de minimis non curat lex - The law does not concern itself with trifles
Ø de novo - Anew, from the beginning
Ø deorum injuriae diis curae - Offenses to the gods are the concern of the gods
Ø dictum - Statement, declaration
Ø doli incapax - Incapable of deceit (referring to someone legally incapable of committing fraud)
Ø dolus bonus - Good intent, good faith
Ø dolus malus - Bad intent, malicious intent
Ø dolus specialis - Specific intent (a legal term referring to a specific fraudulent purpose)
Ø domitae naturae - Of tamed nature (referring to animals that have been domesticated)
Ø donatio mortis causa - Gift in contemplation of death (a gift made in anticipation of one's death)
Ø dramatis personae - Characters of the drama (referring to the parties involved in a legal case)
Ø duces tecum - You shall bring with you (a legal order to produce specified documents or evidence)
Ø ejusdem generis - Of the same kind (a legal principle stating that when a list of specific items is followed by more general wording, the general wording should be interpreted to include only items of the same kind as those specifically listed)
Ø eo nomine - By that name (referring to something being referred to by a specific name)
Ø erga omnes - Toward all (referring to legal rights or obligations that apply universally)
Ø ergo - Therefore, consequently
Ø erratum - Error (referring to a mistake in a legal document)
Ø et al. - And others (abbreviated form used to indicate additional persons or things)
Ø et cetera - And the rest, and so forth
Ø et seq. - And the following (used in legal citations to indicate that the subsequent pages or sections of a document are also relevant)
Ø et uxor - And wife (referring to a husband and his wife)
Ø et vir - And husband (referring to a wife and her husband)
Ø ex aequo et bono - According to what is fair and good (a legal principle allowing a decision to be made based on fairness and equity rather than strict law)
Ø ex ante - From before (referring to something considered before an event)
Ø ex cathedra - With authority (referring to a statement made with authority, especially by someone in a position of power or expertise)
Ø ex concessis - By what has been granted (referring to a conclusion based on agreed-upon premises)
Ø ex delicto - From a wrong (referring to liability arising from a wrongful act)
Ø ex demissione - From demise (referring to a lease or grant)
Ø Ex dolo malo non oritur actio - No action arises from fraud (a legal principle stating that a claim cannot arise from one's own fraud)
Ø ex facie - On the face of it (referring to something evident from the first view)
Ø ex fida bona - From good faith (referring to something done in good faith)
Ø ex gratia - From grace (referring to something done voluntarily, out of kindness)
Ø ex officio - By virtue of office (referring to something done as a result of one's official position)
Ø ex parte - From one party (referring to legal proceedings involving only one party)
Ø ex post - After the fact (referring to something considered after an event)
Ø ex post facto - After the fact (retroactively, especially in reference to laws)
Ø ex post facto law - Law enacted after the fact (a law that retroactively changes the legal consequences of actions)
Ø ex proprio motu - On one's own motion (referring to something done voluntarily)
Ø ex rel - On behalf of (referring to legal proceedings brought by a person acting on behalf of another)
Ø ex tempore - On the spur of the moment (referring to something done spontaneously or without preparation)
Ø exempli gratia - For example, for instance
Ø ex tunc - From then (referring to something being effective from a specified earlier time)
Ø Ex turpi causa non oritur actio - No action arises from an immoral cause (a legal principle stating that one cannot seek relief from a court if their claim arises from an illegal or immoral act)
Ø ex nunc - From now (referring to something being effective from a specified later time)
Ø extant - Existing, still in existence
Ø facio ut facias - I do that you may do (referring to a legal principle where one party performs an act with the expectation that the other party will reciprocate)
Ø factum - A deed, an act
Ø favor contractus - Favorable to the contract (a legal principle favoring the enforcement of contracts)
Ø felo de se - Felon of himself (a suicide; historically, a person who commits suicide was considered a felon)
Ø ferae naturae - Of wild nature (referring to wild animals)
Ø fiat - Let it be done (an order or decree)
Ø fieri facias - That you cause to be done (a writ of execution ordering a sheriff to seize and sell the property of a judgment debtor)
Ø fortis attachiamentum, validior praesumptionem - Strong attachment creates a stronger presumption (a legal principle stating that a strong attachment to property creates a stronger presumption of ownership)
Ø forum non conveniens - Inconvenient forum (a legal doctrine allowing a court to dismiss a case if another court is more appropriate for adjudication)
Ø fumus boni iuris - Smoke of good law (a legal term referring to a strong appearance of a legal right)
Ø functus officio - Having discharged one's duty (referring to a person who has fulfilled their role and no longer has authority)
Ø gravamen - Burden, grievance (a legal term referring to the essential point of a complaint or charge)
Ø guardian ad litem - Guardian for the suit (a person appointed by a court to represent the interests of a minor or incapacitated person in legal proceedings)
Ø habeas corpus - You shall have the body (a legal action requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure the person's release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention)
Ø hostis humani generis - Enemy of mankind (a legal term referring to pirates and other criminals regarded as enemies of all nations)
Ø imprimatur - Let it be printed (an official license to print or publish a book)
Ø in absentia - In absence (proceedings taking place in the absence of a party)
Ø in articulo mortis - At the point of death (referring to something happening at the moment of death)
Ø in camera - In chambers (referring to a private hearing in a judge's chambers)
Ø in curia - In court (referring to something taking place in a court of law)
Ø in esse - In being (existing)
Ø in extenso - In full (completely)
Ø in extremis - In extreme circumstances (referring to something happening at the point of death or under extreme conditions)
Ø in flagrante delicto - In the heat of the offense (referring to someone being caught in the act of committing an offense)
Ø in forma pauperis - In the form of a pauper (allowing a person to proceed with a legal action without paying court fees or costs because of indigence)
Ø in futuro - In the future (referring to something occurring in the future)
Ø in haec verba - In these words (verbatim)
Ø in limine - On the threshold (referring to a legal motion made at the outset of a case)
Ø in loco parentis - In the place of a parent (referring to someone who assumes the responsibilities of a parent)
Ø in mitius - In the milder (referring to a more lenient interpretation or application of the law)
Ø in omnibus - In all things (referring to something being applicable universally)
Ø in pari delicto - In equal fault (referring to a situation where both parties are equally at fault)
Ø in pari materia - In similar matter (referring to statutes or legal provisions dealing with similar subject matter)
Ø in personam - Against the person (referring to legal actions directed against a specific person)
Ø in pleno - In full (referring to a full session of a court)
Ø in propria persona - In one's own person (referring to someone representing themselves in a legal proceeding)
Ø in re - In the matter of (referring to legal proceedings concerning a specific matter or thing)
Ø in rem - Against the thing (referring to legal actions directed against property rather than a person)
Ø in situ - In its place (referring to something being in its original or natural position)
Ø in terrorem - As a warning (referring to a provision in a will intended to discourage challenges to the will)
Ø in terrorem clause - A clause intended to discourage (a provision in a legal document intended to deter certain actions)
Ø in toto - In total (completely)
Ø indicia - Signs, indications (evidence)
Ø infra - Below, beneath (referring to something mentioned later in a text)
Ø iniuria sine damno - Injury without damage (a legal principle stating that injury alone, without resulting damage, does not give rise to a legal claim)
Ø innuendo - By hinting (referring to a hint or insinuation, especially in a legal context)
Ø inter alia - Among other things (referring to something being part of a list of other things)
Ø inter rusticos - Among country people (referring to a legal principle applied in rural communities)
Ø inter se - Among themselves (referring to legal relations between parties)
Ø inter vivos - Between the living (referring to transactions or agreements made between living persons)
Ø intra - Within (inside)
Ø intra fauces terrae - Within the jaws of the earth (referring to underground or mineral rights)
Ø intra legem - Within the law (in compliance with the law)
Ø intra vires - Within the powers (referring to actions within one's legal authority)
Ø ipse dixit - He himself said it (referring to an unsupported assertion)
Ø ipsissima verba - The very words (verbatim)
Ø ipso facto - By the fact itself (automatically)
Ø ipso jure - By the law itself (by operation of law)
Ø ius civile vigilantibus scriptum est - The civil law is written for the vigilant (a legal maxim indicating that individuals must be vigilant in protecting their legal rights)
Ø jurat - He swears (a person who takes an oath)
Ø juris privati - Of private law (pertaining to private rights and obligations)
Ø jus - Law, right (legal right or authority)
Ø jus accrescendi - Right of survivorship (the right of surviving joint tenants to acquire the interest of a deceased joint tenant)
Ø jus ad bellum - Right to war (referring to the justification for engaging in war)
Ø jus civile - Civil law (the body of law governing the rights and obligations of individuals within a society)
Ø jus cogens - Compelling law (peremptory norms of international law that must be obeyed by all states)
Ø jus gentium - Law of nations (principles of law common to all nations)
Ø jus in bello - Law in war (legal principles governing conduct during war)
Ø jus inter gentes - Law between nations (international law)
Ø jus legationis - Law of embassies (the body of law governing diplomatic relations)
Ø jus naturale - Natural law (principles of law derived from nature and reason)
Ø jus primae noctis - Right of the first night (a purported legal right allowing a lord or ruler to have sexual relations with subordinate women on their wedding night)
Ø jus sanguinis - Right of blood (the principle of acquiring citizenship through descent from a citizen parent)
Ø jus soli - Right of the soil (the principle of acquiring citizenship by being born in a particular territory)
Ø jus tertii - Right of a third party (a legal principle referring to the rights of a third party in relation to a contract or dispute)
Ø lacuna - Gap, deficiency (a missing part or element in a legal document or argument)
Ø lex communis - Common law (the body of law derived from judicial decisions and custom)
Ø lex fori - Law of the forum (the law applied by a court in determining legal rights and obligations)
Ø lex lata - Law as enacted (existing law)
Ø lex loci - Law of the place (the law of the jurisdiction where an event occurs)
Ø lex scripta - Written law (statutory law)
Ø liberum veto - Free veto (a political mechanism allowing one member to block a decision in a legislative body)
Ø lingua franca - Common language (a language spoken by people who do not have a native language in common)
Ø lis alibi pendens - Suit pending elsewhere (a legal principle preventing simultaneous litigation of the same matter in different jurisdictions)
Ø lis pendens - Pending lawsuit (a legal principle referring to a lawsuit that is ongoing and undecided)
Ø locus - Place, location (a legal term referring to a place or location)
Ø locus delicti - Place of the offense (the location where a crime or tort occurred)
Ø locus in quo - Place in which (the place where an event occurred)
Ø locus poenitentiae - Place of repentance (an opportunity to retract or correct a decision before it is too late)
Ø locus standi - Standing (the legal right to bring a lawsuit or make an appeal)
Ø mala fide - In bad faith (acting with dishonest or fraudulent intentions)
Ø malum in se - Evil in itself (a wrongful act that is inherently immoral)
Ø malum prohibitum - Wrong because prohibited (an act that is wrongful only because it is prohibited by law)
Ø mandamus - We command (a writ issued by a court ordering a public official to perform a specific act)
Ø mare clausum - Closed sea (the concept of exclusive maritime jurisdiction asserted by a state over its territorial waters)
Ø mare liberum - Free sea (the concept of freedom of the seas, allowing unrestricted navigation)
Ø mea culpa - My fault (an admission of guilt or responsibility)
Ø mens rea - Guilty mind (the mental element of a crime; criminal intent)
Ø modus operandi - Method of operating (the characteristic manner of operating or functioning)
Ø mortis causa - Because of death (referring to transfers of property occurring upon death)
Ø mos pro lege - Custom as law (the principle that custom can have the force of law)
Ø motion in limine - Motion at the threshold (a motion made at the outset of a trial to exclude certain evidence)
Ø mutatis mutandis - With necessary changes (referring to a legal principle applied with appropriate alterations)
Ø ne exeat - Let him not depart (a court order preventing someone from leaving the jurisdiction)
Ø Nemo dat quod non habet - No one gives what they do not have (a legal principle stating that one cannot transfer better title than they possess)
Ø Nemo debet bis vexari (pro una et eadem causa) - No one ought to be twice vexed (for the same cause) (a legal principle preventing double jeopardy)
Ø Nemo iudex in causa sua - No one should be a judge in their own case.
Ø Nemo potest dare quod suum non est - No one can give what is not theirs.
Ø Nemo potest esse tenens et dominus - No one can be both tenant and landlord.
Ø Nemo potest mutare consilium suum in alterius iniuriam - No one can change their mind to the injury of another.
Ø Nemo potest nisi quod de jure potest - No one can do anything unless they have the legal right to do so.
Ø Nemo potest praecise cogi ad factum - No one can be precisely compelled to do a deed.
Ø Nemo potest venire contra factum proprium - No one can come against their own previous act.
Ø Nemo potest facere per alium quod per se non potest - No one can do through another what they cannot do themselves.
Ø nihil dicit - He says nothing (a plea in legal proceedings indicating that the defendant neither admits nor denies the charges).
Ø nisi - Unless.
Ø nisi prius - Unless before (a term referring to a jury trial that has been postponed or adjourned to a later date).
Ø nolle prosequi - Unwilling to prosecute (a formal notice of abandonment of further prosecution).
Ø nolo contendere - I do not wish to contend (a plea in a criminal case that does not admit guilt but subjects the defendant to punishment as if a guilty plea had been entered).
Ø non adimpleti contractus - The contract not being fulfilled (referring to a contract that has not been performed).
Ø non compos mentis - Not of sound mind (referring to someone who is mentally incompetent).
Ø non constat - It is not certain (a phrase used in legal contexts when a fact is not established or proved).
Ø non est factum - It is not his deed (a plea in legal proceedings denying the execution of a deed).
Ø non est inventus - He has not been found (a legal term indicating that a person has not been located or found).
Ø non liquet - It is not clear (a phrase used in legal contexts when a matter is not clear or evident).
Ø non obstante verdicto - Notwithstanding the verdict (a term indicating that a judgment or decision is made regardless of the jury's verdict).
Ø novus actus interveniens - A new intervening act (referring to a new act or event that breaks the chain of causation).
Ø noscitur a sociis - It is known by its associates (a principle of statutory interpretation where the meaning of a word is determined by the words around it).
Ø nota bene - Note well (an instruction to pay particular attention to something).
Ø Nullum crimen sine lege - No crime without a law (principle stating that there can be no crime or punishment without a pre-existing law).
Ø Nulla poena sine culpa - No punishment without fault (principle stating that there can be no punishment without fault).
Ø nudum pactum - A naked agreement (referring to an agreement without consideration).
Ø nulla bona - No goods (a legal term indicating that no goods were found belonging to a judgment debtor).
Ø nunc pro tunc - Now for then (a legal term indicating that something is done retroactively).
Ø obiter dictum - A remark by the way (a statement made in passing by a judge in a legal opinion, not directly related to the case at hand).
Ø onus probandi - Burden of proof (the obligation to prove a disputed assertion or allegation in a legal proceeding).
Ø ore tenus - By word of mouth (oral testimony given under oath).
Ø pace - With peace (a term used to express respect or deference when disagreeing with someone).
Ø par delictum - Equal fault (referring to a situation where both parties are equally at fault).
Ø parens patriae - Parent of the nation (the sovereign power or authority of the state to protect persons under legal disability).
Ø pari passu - With equal step (referring to treating all creditors equally).
Ø partus sequitur ventrem - Offspring follows the womb (a legal principle stating that the status of a child follows that of its mother).
Ø pendente lite - Pending litigation (referring to a legal matter that is still undecided or pending before the courts).
Ø per capita - By the head (dividing an estate equally among all individuals).
Ø per contra - On the contrary (indicating a contrasting point of view).
Ø per curiam - By the court (referring to a decision issued by a court as a whole, rather than by an individual judge).
Ø per incuriam - Through lack of care (referring to a judgment or decision made through oversight or carelessness).
Ø per minas - By threats (referring to a contract entered into under duress or coercion).
Ø per proxima amici - Through the closest friend (a term referring to representation in legal proceedings by a close friend).
Ø per quod - Whereby (a term used in pleading to indicate the consequences of an alleged wrongful act).
Ø per se - By itself (referring to something being inherently or by itself).
Ø per stirpes - By roots (a method of distributing an estate where each branch of the family receives an equal share).
Ø periculum in mora - Danger in delay (referring to the risk or danger in delaying action).
Ø persona non grata - Unwelcome person (a diplomatic term referring to a person who is not welcome in a particular country).
Ø posse comitatus - The power of the county (referring to the authority of the county sheriff).
Ø post hoc ergo propter hoc - After this, therefore because of this (a logical fallacy in which one assumes that because one event followed another, the first event caused the second).
Ø post mortem - After death (referring to events or examinations that occur after a person's death).
Ø post mortem auctoris - After the author's death (referring to events or actions occurring after the death of the author).
Ø postliminium - Restoration after captivity (referring to the restoration of rights or property after the return from captivity or foreign occupation).
Ø praetor peregrinus - Praetor of foreigners (a Roman magistrate responsible for administering justice to foreigners).
Ø prima facie - At first sight (referring to evidence that, unless rebutted, is sufficient to prove a particular proposition or fact)
Ø pro bono - For the good (referring to legal services provided voluntarily and without charge, typically for public interest or charitable purposes).
Ø pro bono publico - For the public good (referring to services provided for the benefit of the public without charge).
Ø pro forma - As a matter of form (referring to something done as a formality or for the sake of appearance).
Ø pro hac vice - For this occasion (referring to an attorney admitted to practice in a particular case or jurisdiction for that case only, usually by special permission).
Ø pro per - For oneself (referring to representing oneself in a legal proceeding, also known as "pro se").
Ø pro rata - In proportion (referring to dividing something proportionally, often used in allocating costs or benefits).
Ø pro se - For oneself (referring to representing oneself in a legal proceeding, also known as "pro per").
Ø pro tanto - For so much (referring to something done to a limited extent or to a certain extent).
Ø pro tem - For the time being (referring to someone appointed temporarily to fulfill a role or duty).
Ø pro tempore - For the time being (referring to someone appointed temporarily to fulfill a role or duty).
Ø propria persona - In one's own person (referring to representing oneself in a legal proceeding, similar to "pro se").
Ø qua - In the capacity of (referring to the role or capacity in which something is considered).
Ø quae ipso usu consumuntur - Which are consumed by their very use (referring to items that are meant to be consumed in the normal course of use, such as food or fuel).
Ø quaeritur - It is asked (referring to a legal question or issue that is under consideration).
Ø quaere - Inquire (a command to investigate or inquire).
Ø quantum - How much (referring to the amount or extent of something).
Ø quantum meruit - As much as he has deserved (referring to the amount of compensation deserved for services rendered).
Ø quantum valebant - As much as they were worth (referring to the value of goods or services).
Ø quasi - As if (referring to something that resembles or is similar to something else).
Ø qui tam - Who as well (referring to a legal action brought by an individual on behalf of the government and themselves, typically in cases of fraud).
Ø quid pro quo - Something for something (referring to an exchange of goods or services, typically used in contracts to indicate reciprocal obligations).
Ø quo ante - As it was before (referring to the previous state of affairs).
Ø quo warranto - By what warrant (referring to a legal action to determine a person's right to hold a public office or position).
Ø quoad hoc - As far as this (referring to a matter being considered or relevant only to a specific issue).
Ø R - Rex or Regina (referring to the reigning monarch in legal documents, depending on the gender).
Ø ratio decidendi - The reason for deciding (referring to the legal reasoning or principle upon which a decision is based).
Ø ratio scripta - Written reason (referring to a written explanation or justification).
Ø rationae soli - By reason of the soil (referring to ownership or rights based on land).
Ø rebus sic stantibus - With things thus standing (referring to a principle of international law allowing treaties to be invalidated if there is a fundamental change in circumstances).
Ø reddendo singula singulis - Referring each to each (referring to a rule of interpretation instructing that each word or phrase in a contract should be given its own specific meaning).
Ø res - Thing (referring to a matter or subject of legal concern).
Ø res communis - Common thing (referring to property or resources that are held in common).
Ø res derelictae - Abandoned things (referring to property that has been abandoned by its owner).
Ø res ipsa loquitur - The thing speaks for itself (referring to a doctrine where negligence can be inferred from the nature of an accident or injury).
Ø res gestae - Things done (referring to events or acts forming part of the immediate context or background).
Ø res judicata - A matter adjudged (referring to a legal doctrine barring the re-litigation of issues that have already been decided by a court).
Ø res nova - A new thing (referring to a new or novel legal matter).
Ø res nullius - Nobody's thing (referring to property that is not owned by anyone and is available for appropriation).
Ø res publica - The public thing (referring to the state or commonwealth).
Ø respondeat superior - Let the master answer (referring to a legal doctrine holding an employer or principal liable for the wrongful acts of an employee or agent).
Ø scandalum magnatum - The scandal of the magnates (referring to a legal term for high-profile misconduct or corruption among the powerful).
Ø scienter - Knowingly (referring to knowledge or intent, particularly in cases of fraud).
Ø scire facias - Cause to know (referring to a legal writ requiring a person to show cause why a judgment should not be executed).
Ø scire feci - I caused it to be known (a phrase used to indicate that a writ has been issued).
Ø secundum formam statuti - According to the form of the statute (referring to compliance with statutory requirements)
Ø se defendendo - In self-defense (referring to actions taken to protect oneself from harm).
Ø seriatim - In series (referring to dealing with items or matters one by one in sequence).
Ø sine die - Without a day (referring to an adjournment without specifying a date for reconvening).
Ø sine qua non - Without which not (referring to an essential condition or requirement).
Ø situs - Location or place (often used in the context of the location of property for legal purposes).
Ø stare decisis - To stand by things decided (referring to the principle of precedent, where courts follow previous decisions).
Ø status quo - The existing state of affairs (referring to the current situation or condition).
Ø status quo ante - The state of affairs as it was before (referring to the previous state of affairs).
Ø statu quo - The existing state of affairs (variant spelling of "status quo").
Ø stratum - Layer (often used in the context of geological or social layers).
Ø sua sponte - Of one's own accord (referring to actions taken voluntarily or without external prompting).
Ø sub judice - Under judgment (referring to a matter that is under judicial consideration or before a court).
Ø sub modo - Under a condition (referring to something being subject to a condition or limitation).
Ø sub nomine - Under the name of (referring to something being done or acting under a particular name).
Ø sub silentio - In silence (referring to something done or happening without being openly expressed or acknowledged).
Ø subpoena - Under penalty (referring to a writ requiring a person to appear in court or produce evidence).
Ø subpoena ad testificandum - Under penalty to testify (referring to a subpoena requiring a person to testify as a witness).
Ø subpoena duces tecum - Under penalty to bring with you (referring to a subpoena requiring a person to bring specified documents or evidence to court).
Ø suggestio falsi - Suggestion of falsehood (referring to the act of making a false representation).
Ø sui generis - Of its own kind (referring to something unique or in a class of its own).
Ø sui juris - Of one's own right (referring to someone who is legally competent and not under the control of another).
Ø suo motu - On its own motion (referring to something done voluntarily or at one's own initiative).
Ø supersedeas - Let it be stayed (referring to a writ suspending the enforcement of a judgment or order).
Ø suppressio veri - Suppression of the truth (referring to the act of concealing or withholding the truth).
Ø supra - Above (referring to something mentioned earlier in a text or document).
Ø terra nullius - Nobody's land (referring to territory that has never been subject to the sovereignty of any state or over which any prior sovereign has expressly or implicitly relinquished sovereignty).
Ø trial de novo - A trial anew (referring to a new trial conducted as if no previous trial had taken place).
Ø trinoda necessitas - Threefold necessity (referring historically to the obligations of providing military service, repairing bridges and roads, and administering justice).
Ø uberrima fides - Utmost good faith (referring to the highest standard of honesty and integrity in contractual or fiduciary relationships).
Ø ubi eadem ratio, ibi idem jus - Where there is the same reason, there is the same law (referring to the legal principle that similar circumstances should be governed by the same legal rule).
Ø ultra vires - Beyond the powers (referring to acts done by an entity that exceed the powers granted to it by law or its constitution).
Ø universitas personarum - A community of persons (referring to a group or body of individuals considered collectively).
Ø universitas rerum - A community of things (referring to a collection or aggregation of things or objects considered as a whole).
Ø uno flatu - With one breath (referring to something done or happening simultaneously or without interruption).
Ø uti possidetis - As you possess (referring to the legal principle that parties to a dispute may maintain possession of property until the dispute is resolved).
Ø uxor - Wife (referring to a married woman).
Ø vel non - Or not (used to indicate an alternative).
Ø veto - I forbid (referring to the power to reject or prohibit a decision or proposal).
Ø vice versa - The other way around (referring to a situation where the positions are reversed or the roles are exchanged).
Ø vide - See (used to direct attention to a particular point or passage).
Ø videlicet - Namely (used to introduce examples or specific instances).
Ø viz. - Namely (an abbreviation for "videlicet", used to introduce examples or specific instances).
Ø vigilantibus non dormientibus iura subveniunt - The law assists those who are vigilant, not those who sleep (referring to the importance of being diligent and proactive in protecting one's rights).