a bene placito

at one's pleasure

a capite ad calcem

from head to heel

a communi opinione jurisprudentum

from the common opinion of the sages of the Law [Coke:sources of law]

a communi præsumptione

from a common presumption [Coke:sources of law]

a contrario

from a contrary position

á contrecoeur

against the heart contrary to free one's will, reluctantly

a cruce salus

from the cross comes salvation

a divisione, vel ad enumeratione partium

from a division, from the enumeration of the parts [Coke:sources of law]

a fine

from the end [Coke:sources of law]

a fortiori

by stronger reason

a fortori ratione

for a stronger reason - a more compelling argument

a lectionibus jurisprudentium

from the readings of learned men of Law [Coke:sources of law]

a maiore ad minus, a simili, a pari.

from the greater to the lesser, similarities or differences

a mensa et thoro

[excluded] from table and bed (obsolete ecclesiastical separation or eivorce order)

a natura et ordine naturæ

from nature or the course of nature [Coke:sources of law]

a non usu

from non use [Coke: sources of law]

a posse ad esse

from possibility to actuality

a posteriori

evident mainly from past experience (empirical truth)

a priori

evident from what comes before (analytic truth)

à rescriptis valet argumentum

from original writs in the Register [Coke: sources of law]

a tergo

To clean or correct

a verbis ad verbera

from words to blows

a vinculo matrimonii

Of a marriage usually 'final divorce'

ab aeterno

from the beginning of time

ab artificialibus argumentis, consequetibus & conclusionibus

from artificial arguments and conclusions [Coke: sources of law]

ab authoritatet, & pronunciatis

bookes, records, and other authorities of Law cited [Coke: sources of law]

ab imo pectore

from the bottom of the heart

ab impossibili

from that which is impossible [Coke:sources of law]

ab incunabulis

from the cradle

ab initio

from the beginning

ab intestato

having made no will

ab ordine religionis

from the order of Religion [Coke:sources of law]

ab ovo

from the egg

ab urbe condita

from the foundation of the city (Rome) usually dates prefixed AVB or AUB

ab urbe condita

At the time of the foundng of the City (Rome)

ab utili vel inutili

from that which is profitable or unprofitable [Coke:sources of law]

absente reo

in absence of the defendant

absit invidia

no offence intended

absolvo

not guilty

accusator

prosecutor

acte est fabula

the play is finished

actio personalis moritur cum persona

A [wrong] action with compensation is not actionable [no tort]

Actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit rea

The act itself does not make guilt, unless with a guilty intent.

actus reus

Defendant's Act i.e. if proved is punishable in strict offences - see also mens rea

ad absurdum

to the point of absurdity

Ad colligendum bona

Court appointed administrator of intestate authorized "to collect the goods"

ad daminum

Damages (section in claim or petition)

ad hoc

to this particular purpose

ad hominem

According to the person (personal reputation or attribute rather than probative evidence -see tu coque)

Ad Idem

Of the same mind or opinion

ad inconvenienti

from that which is inconvenient [Coke:sources of law]

ad infinitum

without end

ad interim

for the meantime

ad lib (ad libitum)

as one pleases

ad libitum

according to pleasure: freely

ad libitum

as one pleases

Ad Litem

For the suit- usually temporary guardian

ad locum

at the place

ad maiorem Dei gloriam

for the greater glory of God

ad nauseam

until disgusted to a sickening degree

ad pedes

On foot

ad rem

to the point

ad sectum

At the suit of (also ads antonym of versus. or v)

ad valorium

Calculated in proportion to the value or price of a property

addendum

Addition (usually to written document)

adsum

I am here

advocatus

supporter or friend at court or spokesman before tribunal

advocatus diaboli

the devil's advocate

aet

aged

affidavit

Sworn in best faith (Fides) See: Jurat

Age(te) apertum!

Do the obvious!

agenda

things to be done

Agnus Dei

the Lamb of God

AH (anno hegirae)

in the year of the hegira

ailum

Others (in person)

aio

affirm

aiter

Otherwise (used in dissenting judgements)

al

also, otherwise known as

album judicum

Empanneled jury

alea iacta est

the die is cast

alias

otherwise

alibi

elsewhere

alienum

The property of other person (s)

Aliquisne domum est?

Is anyone Home?

alma mater

nurturing mother

alter ego

other self / also known as

alumnus

nursling (former pupil)

amico optimo

best Friend

amicus curiae

Friend of the courts

amor patriae

love of country

analogia entis

Anology between god and creation (Thomas Aquinas)

analytical a priori

Intuition & Reason knowledge provable by corroboration (Kant)

Animus contrahendi

intent to make a contract

animus furandi

In the spirit of thieving or theft

animus possidendi

The motivation of the custodian

animus possidendi

the mind of a possessor

Annales veteris testamenti, a prima mundi origine deducti

Annals of the Old Testament, deduced from the first origins of the world (Archbishop James Ussher of Armagh deduced Anno Mundi as noon on October 23, 4004 BC

anni

anniversarius -a -um recurring every year.

anno

year

Anno Domini

in the year of the Lord

Anno Hegirae

In the year of the Hegira (the Islamic era)

anno mundi

in the year of the world

Anno post Romam conditam

Number of years after the building of Rome

anno regni

in the year of reign

anno urbis conditae

Years since the foundng of the City (Rome)

annorum plus minus

About the year/time/season of

Annus

Circuit of the Sun or Year

annus horribilis

a horrible year

annus mirabilis

a wonderful year

ante

before e.g. refers text in an earlier passage

ante audita

Before a hearing or examination

Ante Christum

Before Christ

ante meridiem

before noon

ante prandium

before a meal

ante-mortem

before death

antebellum

before the war

antiquo

To leave in its former state or reject a proposal

apprenticii

trainee esp. for servientes ad legum (17th c aspirants to sergeants at law)

àpræcedentibus approbatis & usu

from approved precedents and use [Coke: sources of law]

apud

at ,near, by, with

aqua vitae

water of life (brandy)

arbiter elegantiae

judge in matters of taste

arcana imperii

secrets of the empire

argentum

Money or Silver

ars gratia artis

art for art's sake

artium baccalaureus

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

artium magister

Master of Arts (MA)

asser Asclepsius

Staff & serpent symbol of medicine (tree of knowledge) see also caducius

Assisarum Liber

Trials of law reports published during reign of Edward III 1327 - 77

auctor

Principal (originator or developer)

Auctor Ignotus

Author unknown

aucupia verborum sunt judice indigna

Quibbling with words is not worthy of a judge.

audaces fortuna iuvat

fortune favours the bold

aude sapere

dare to know

audi alteram partem

hear the other part -[fair] consideration of opposing arguments

auditiatur et altera pars

Impartiality between complainant and opponent

auditor

investigator or scolar

aula Regis

Hall or forum of King ['s peace]

aurea mediocritas

the golden mean

aurora australis

the southern lights

aurora borealis

the northern lights

aurum

Gold or guilded

Austriae est imperare orbi universo

Alles Erdreich Ist Oesterreich Unterthan

aut

Or else (repeated)

Aut Dedere Aut Judicare

Extradite or Prosecute (UN Convention against torture - Art 7)

aut vincere aut mori

either conquer or die

autrefois aquit

Previously acquitted and exempt 'double jeopardy' retrial

auxilium curiae

Special hearing or court

ave atque vale

hello and goodbye

Ave Maria

Hail Mary

Ave Maria

Epitome of womanhood (Mary, Mother of God/Jesus)

Avunculus

A mother's brother (maternal uncle)

bancus regis

Kings Bench

bastardus non potest habere haeredem nisi de corpore suo legitime procreatum

A bastard can have no heir unless it be one lawfully begotten of his own body

Beata Virgo (Maria)

The Blessed Virgin (Mary)

beatae memoriae

of blessed memory

Beatus Paulus

Saint Paul

Beatus Petrus

Saint Peter

bella gerant alii

let others wage war

bene vale

Good health

benedicta expositio, & ex visceribus causæ

from well understood implication [from other parts of the same law]

beneficium clericale

Benefit of Clergy (confidential spiritual guidance)

bibere venenum in auro

drink poison from a cup of gold

billa vera

A true bill (Indictment worthy of full trial (Grand Jury decision)

bis in die

twice a day

bona caduca

lapsed possessions

bona fide

in good faith

bona filia

True son (Jesus)

bona forisfacta

Asets rightly ciezed and so property of fiscus or treasury (bona confiscata)

bona fortuna

Good fortune

bona hereditaria

Well born

bona paterna

Good father (God)

bona vacanta

property without proper owner (usually state takes possession)

boni judicis judicium

fair and just decision

bonorum heres

legitimate successor

bonorum potestas

properly administered authority

bonorum tutor

Dutiful watchman/supervisor

bonum factum

Well done

bonum judicium

Fair and just

bonum publicum

the public good

bonus vir

Sound man

brevi tempore

Short time

Britannicus

British

cadit quaestio

the question drops

Caduceus

Messenger's wand with two serpents twined round it, surmounted by two small wings - see also Asclepsus

caeca invidia est

envy is blind

caeterorum

Of things that are left

carpe diem

pluck the day - live for the moment

cartilage

Land surrounding a building

castigatio

Corporal punishment

casus belli

an act used to justify war

catapultam habeo. nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabs, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam

I have a catapult. Give me all your money or I will sling a rock at your head!

causus omissus

A cause or circumstance not considered (e.g. by statute)

cave

beware!

caveat

let him/her beware

caveat emptor

let the buyer beware

cedo maiori

I yield to a greater person

centum

hundred

certiorari

To be made more certain (Prerogative Order to lower court)

cestui(s) que trust

Person (s) beneficiaries of trust

cestui(s) que vie

Person (s) for duration of whose life, estate is granted to another in trust

cetera desunt

the rest is missing

ceteris paribus

other things being equal

Chirurgiae Magister

Master in Surgery

circa

about, approximately

circenses

Roman games (circuses)

codex

Body of conventional knowledge (usually written law volume or series)

Codex Alimentarius

International (UN) food & additive classification http://www.codexalimentarius.net/

Codex Juris Canonici

book of canon law

Cogito Ergo Sum

I think, therefore I am (Rene Decartes)

coincidentia oppositorum

Coincidence of opposites

comestible

edible or esculent thing

commercium

The right to make contracts

commune bonum

the common good

comorientes

Simultaneous death - decease order presumed by age

compos mentis

of sound mind (and judgement)

concordia discors

discordant harmony

condemno

guilty

confer

compare

coniunctis viribus

with united powers

conlige suspectos semper habitos

Round up the usual suspects

consensu omnium

by the agreement of all

Consensus ad idem

an agreement understood by all concerned

consilium

panel of experts - Roman law usually a tribunal of three scolars

consummatum est

it is completed

contra bonos mores

Contrary to accepted standards of (public) morality

contra mundum

against the world

contra preferentem

Where there is doubt, the offerer must make good the shortfall

conubium

The right to make a legal mariage

coram

In the presence of

coram populo

before the public

Coram Rege

In the presence of the king

Cornucopia

Horn of plenty

Corpus Christi

the body of Christ

corpus delicti

body of the crime, i.e. material evidence that a crime has occurred

Corpus Juris

(European) body of law

Corpus Juris Canonici

the body of canon law

Corpus Juris Civilis

the body of civil law

corpus vile

worthless body

corrigenda

things to be corrected

Crapulam terribilem habeo.

I have a terrible hangover.

crescite et multiplicamini

increase and multiply

crimen

Unjust or senseless act which if deliberate is worthy of retribution

crimen falsi

perjury

crimen laesae majestatis Divinea

Crimes of injury to divine majesty (Heresy)

crux

puzzle

cui bono

Who benefits? For what good purpose

cujus est solum ejus est usque at caelum et ad iferos

Who owns the land owns all above and below it

culpa

a sin

culpa lata

gross negligence

cum

with

cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscripti catipultas habebunt

When catapults are forbidden, only outlaws will have catapults

cum grano salis

with a grain of salt

cum laude

with praise

Curia Regis

Court of the king

curriculum vitae

life history (lit 'running')

custos morum

guardian of morals

daminum abseque daminum

A wrongdoing leading to damage (nuisance or tort)

daminum sine injuria

A wrongdoing without damage (or loss)

Damnium

Damage

data et accepta

expenditure and receipts

de

of

de bene esse

for the good - just in case

de bonis non administratis

an improperly managed estate - court appoints administrator

de die in diem

from day to day

de facto

according to the fact or deed

de integro

repeat again from the start

de jure

by right - according to the law

de Legibus Angliæ

English Law (Bracton 1640)

de maximus ni curat lex

The law can not apply to giants

de minimus non curat lex

The law is not concerned with trifles

de mortuis nil nisi bonum

speak no ill of the dead

de novo

starting afresh

de profundis

up from the depths (of misery)

decemviri legibus scribundis

10-man commission table of laws of Rome 450BCE

decrevi

I have decreed

Decum

Ten

decus et tutamen

A decoration and shield

defendo, -ere, defendi, defensus

Defendant(s) Defence(s)

Dei gratia

by the grace of God

delator

Roman Law Prosecutor

delegatus non potest delegare

A delegate can not further delegate to another

Deo adiuvante

with God's help

Deo favente

with God's favour

Deo gratias

thanks be to God

Deo Optimo Maximo

to God, the Best, the Greatest

Deo volente

God willing

desunt cetera

the rest is missing

deus absconditus

a god who is hidden from man

Deus est procurator fatuorum

God is protector of the simple-minded

deus ex machina

god from the machine

Deus vobiscum

God be with you

Deus vult

God wills it

devastavit

it is wasted - personal representative failed in duty of care

diem perdidi

I have lost a day

Dies Irae

Day of Wrath

dies non

business free day

dira necessitas

grim necessity

disjecta membra

the scattered remains

divide et impera

divide and rule

dixi

i have spoken

docendo discimus

by teaching, we learn

doli capax

capable of crime

doli incapax

unable to distinguish wrong from naughtiness [children]

dominant tenement

Master land title [holder has rights over other land]

Domine, dirige nos

Lord, direct us

Dominus illuminatio mea

the Lord is my light

Dominus vobiscum

the Lord be with you

domo

of the household

domus, dulcis domus

(home) sweet home

donatio mortis causa

Gift in contemplation of death

dramatis personae

characters of the play

Duces Tecum

Bring with you (produce in court)

dum spiro, spero

while I breathe, I hope

e contrario

from a contrary position

e pluribus unum

one out of many

e re nata

as circumstances dictate

e vestigio

from where one stands

eadem

in the same place, author(female form of ibid)

Eboracensis

York

ecce homo

behold the man

ecce signum

behold the proof

editio princeps

first printed edition

ego et rex meus

I and my King

ego te demitto

You're fired

Eheu, litteras istas reperire non possum

Unfortunately, I cant find those particular documents

eius

his

eiusdem generis

A meaning in context (especially in lists)

emeritus

honourably discharged from service

engross

Document in agreed final form

Entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatum

Do not multiply entities beyond necessity (Ockham's Razor)

eo ipso

by that very act

eo nomine

under that name

eodem die

on the same day

erga omnes

In relation to everyone (Int. law: of concern to all nations/people)

ergo bibamus

therefore, let us drink

errare humanum est

to err is human

erratum (errata)

error (errors)

est deus in nobis

the is a god inside us

Estne tutum?

Is it safe?

esto perpetue

may you last for ever

et alia

and another

et aliae

and others

et allii

and other people

et cetera

and the rest and so on

et cetera

and so on, and other things

et sequens

and the following

et sequens

and the following (usually pages)

et sequentia

and those that follow

et sic de ceteris

and so to of the rest

et tu, Brute

and you, Brutus

et uxor

and (his) wife

ex

out of

ex absurdo quasi â surde prolatum

for that thereupon should follow an absurdity because it is repugnant to understanding and reason [Coke: sources of law]

ex abudante cautulae

Arising from extreme caution

ex ante

forecast based on previous results

ex cathedra

with full authority

ex debito justiciae

Arising from the needs of justice (rather than application of strict law)

ex delicto non oritur actio

No action arises from an ommission

ex gratia

without payment

ex gratia

done as a favour

ex hypothesi

from the hypothesis

Ex iniuria ius oritur

From injustice, law emerges.

ex libris

from the library of

ex more

according to custom

ex nihilo

from nothing (genesis)

ex officio

by virtue of the office held

ex parte

On behalf of one (without the opponent present)

ex post facto

in the light of subsequent events - Ex-Post Facto Laws apply retroactively to punish actions conducted before they were pronounced illegal (contrary to UDHR Art 11.2 / ECHR Art. 7.1)

ex proprio motu

voluntarily

ex silentio

from silence (from lack of contrary evidence)

ex turpi causa non oritur actio

No claim arises from a bad cause

ex voto

according to one's vow

excelsior

higher

exceptio probat regulam

the exception proves the rule

exceptis excipiendis

excepting what is to be excepted

exeat

let him/her go out

exempli gratia

for example, for instance

exeunt

they go out

exeunt omnes

all go out

exit

he/she goes out

exitus acta probat

the outcome justifies the deed

expressio unius exclusio alterius

a unique expression excludes 'similarities (coal-mines not any mines)

extempore

without premeditation

facile princeps

acknowledged leader

facta, non verba

deeds, not words

factum est

it is done

falsa demonstratio non nocet cum corpore consat

Where substance of property plain, error in description does no harm

fama semper vivat

may his/her fame last forever

favete linguis

to keep a (religious) silence

fecit

made by

felix culpa

happy fault

felo de se

suicide

feme sole

Single woman

feminae fecundiores

Fecund or fertile women

festina lente

make haste slowly

fiat

Let it be done! Arbitrary order esp. fixed cash or currency value - see specie

Fiat justitia et pereat mundus

Let justice be done, though the world perish - motto of Hungarian Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I (1503–1564)

Fiat justitia ruat coelum

Let justice be done, though heaven should fall (Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus (d. 43 B.C.) who banishe Cicero & committed suicide after leading a revolt against Nero

fiat lux

let there be light

Fidei Defensor

defender of the faith

fidus Achates

faithful Achates (friend)

fieri facias

CPR Part 47 Enforcement order

filioque

and from the son

filius nullius

a bastard

finis

the end

flagrante delicto

in the act of committing a crime

flamma fumo est proxima

the is no smoke without fire

floruit

flourished

fons et origo

the source and origin

forma pauperis

an indigent without liability for court fees and costs

Fortasse

Maybe

fortes fortuna adiuvat

fortune favors the brave

forum conveniens

A court having jurisdiction

forum non conveniens

An inconvenient forum (e.g. request to address issue elsewhere)

fructis industriales

cultivated fruit of the land

fructus naturales

natural (not cultivated) fruit/produce of the land

fugit hora

the hour flies

functus officio

function discharged

gemelli

twins

generosus

of good family (of noble birth)

genius loci

the guardian spirit of the place

gloria

glory

Gloria in Excelsis Deo

glory to God in the highest

Gloria Patri

glory to the Father

gradus deiectio

Reduction in (military) rank

gratis

A favour (without charge)

graviora manent

greater dangers await

guardian ad litem

Responsible adult during legal cause of minor or legally incompetent person

habeas corpus ad subjiciendum

That you may have control of the body (order to produce a detained person in court)

habemus Papam

we have a Pope

habendum

Holding (usually freehold, leasehold or interest in land)

Habitat hominis delcitatoo inhabitantis necessitas luminuis et salubnetatus aeris

Human habitation implies light, cleanliness and fresh air

hac lege

with this law

haud ignota loquor

I say things that are known

Heu, modo itera omnia quae mihi nunc nuper narravisti, sed nunc Anglice!

Hey, repeat everything you just told me, only now in English!

hexum

six

hic et nunc

here and now

hic iacet

here lies

hic jacet sepultus

here lies buried

hinc illae lacrimae

hence these tears

hoc erat in votis

this was among my prayers

homo homini lupus

man is a wolf to man

homo sum

i am a man

honor virutis preamium

honour is the reward of virtue

honoris causa

for the sake of honour

horribile dictu

horrible to relate

horror vacui

fear of empty places

hospicia ad legum

Inns of court

hunc tu caveto

beware of this man

ibidem (ibid)

In the same place (sometimes Ibid. in book references &c.)

id est

that is (i.e.) explains a statement

idem quod

the same as

Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum

Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews

ignis fatuus

foolish fire (will-o-the-wisp)

Ignorantia Juris non excusat

Ignorance of the law is no excuse

ignorantia legis neminem excusat

ignorance of the law excuses no one

ignoratio elenchi

an ignorance of proof

ignotus

unknown

Illud estne tuum?

Is that yours?

Imperator/Imperatrix

Emperor/Empress

imperium

absolute power

imprimatur

let it be printed

imprimis

in first place

in absentia

in the absence of

in actu

in practice

in aeternum

for eternity

in articulo mortis

at the moment of death

in banco

on the bench

in camera

in closed chamber (private)

in camera

in private chamber

in consimili casu

In like cause (Statute Westminster limitation 1285)

in curia

in [open] court

in distans

at a distance

in dubio

in doubt

in esse

in existence

in excelsis

in the highest

in extensio

at full length

in extenso

at full length

in extremis

at the end

in fine

at the end

in flagrante delicto

in the act

in futuro

in the future

in gremio legis

in the protection of the law

in infinitum

to infinity

in loco parentis

in the place of a parent

in medias res

into the midst of things

in memoriam

in memory of

in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Santi

in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

in nubibus

in the clouds

in nuce

in a nutshell

in omnia paratus

ready for anything

in ovo

in the egg

in pari delicto, potior est conditio defendentis

Where parties are equal in fault, the defendant has the better position

in parvo

in miniature

in perpetuum

for ever

in personam

In person

in pleno

in full

in posse

in possibility

in praesenti

at the present time

in principio

in the beginning

in propria persona

in one's own person, i.e. on one's own behalf and without lawyer

in puris naturalibus

completely naked

in re

In the matter of

in rem

the (real) thing itself

in rerum natura

in the nature of things

in se

in itself

in situ

in position

in terrorem

as a warning

in totidem verbis

in so many words

in toto

completely

in transitu

in passing

in usu

in use

in utero

in the womb

in vacuo

in a vacuum

in vino veritas

in wine is truth

in vitro

in glass

in vivo

in the living (thing)

incipit

begin here

inconsimili casu

In like case (Statute of Westminster 1285)

index librorum prohibitorum

list of forbidden books

indica

circumstantial evidence

infans

infant

infra

below, underneath

infra dig. (infra dignitatem)

beneath one's dignity

infra dignitatem

beneath one's dignity

Injuria

Wrongful act

injuria sine damno

Legal wrong suffered but without consequent loss

Inquisitio Eliensis

Doomsday assessment panels of legati (Officers)

insculpsit

he/she engraved it

Intellego

I understand.

inter alia

amongst other things

inter alios

among other people

inter nos

between ourselves

inter se

between themselves

inter spem et metum

between hope and fear

inter vivos

between living (people)

Interpretatio chartarum benigne facienda est ut res magis valeat quam pere

The meaning shall be taken liberally, so that the sense and intent may survive rather than perish.

intra vires

within one's powers

ipsi dixit

he himself said it

ipsissima verba

the exact words

ipso facto

by that very fact

ipso iure

by operation of the law

ite, misse est

go, the Mass is finished

iubilate Deo

rejoice in God

iure divino

by divine law

iure humano

by human law

ius

law

ius civile

civil law

ius cogens

Thought out - fundamental norm of international law

ius gentium

the law of nations

ius natural

natural law (Grotius)

ius primae noctis

right of the first night

ius quaesitum tertio

Third party rights

iustitia omnibus

justice for all

iv

four (Roman numeral)

judices

judges

judicum dei

Divine law

jurat

Declaration of statement taker / solicitor See: affidavit

Juris Canonici Doctor

Doctor of Canon Law

jus

right in law

jus ad bellum

Just and good reason

jus cogens

Compelling Law as commonly understood (peremptory normal assumption of International law)

jus quaesitum tertio

Due claim of a third party (Unknown in Common Law - see Dunlop)

lachryma Christi

Christ's tears

laesa majestas

Injured majesty (Treason)

lapsus calami

a slip of the pen

lapsus linguae

a slip of the tongue

lapsus memoriae

a slip of the memory

laus Deo

praise be to God

lector benevole

kind reader

Leges Henrici Primi

Henry I Law [of restitution - formalises wer, bot, wit] AD 1100

legis periti

Attorney or procurator, gentleman of the court roll, now solicitor

Lex Coronæ

Law of the Crown (edict of sovereign ruler) [Coke:sources of law]

lex domicilii

Legal, not actual residence for application of nationality rights, marriage law, military obligation, succession &c

lex domicilii

the law of a person's home country

lex fori

Law of the courts (Country) - usually for domicile, jurisdiction and extradition issues

lex loci

the law of the place

lex loci contractus

Jurisdiction under which contract will be executed (parties can agree to choose foreign law, esp. if two or mnationalities concerned)

lex loci delicti

local law infringement

lex non fuvet delicatorum votis

The [common] law protects necessities not delights

lex non scripta

the unwritten (common) law

lex scripta

the written law

lex talionis

Retributive law or proportionate punishment (an eye for an eye, for example)

libra solidus denarius

pounds shillings pence (Imperial money)

licet

allowed or legal

lis, litis

legal contention or controversy

literati

men of letters

Littera occidit, spiritus vivificat

Writing eradicates [enquiry] the spirit brings life

litterae humaniores

the humanities

loco citato

in the place cited

loco citato

in the place cited/mentioned

locus classicus

standard or most authoratative source (classical passage)

locus delicti

the scene of the crime

locus desperatus

a hopeless passage

locus in quo

the place in which something happens (at scene)

locus poenitentiae

a place for repentance

locus sigilli

the place of the seal

locus standi

To take the place of (one given responsibility or to give one's name to)

longo intervallo

after a long gap

loquitur

he/she speaks

lumen naturale

natural light

lupus est homo homini

man is wolf to man

lusus naturae

a freak of nature

lux mundi

the light of the world

Magister Artium

master of arts

magistratus

magistrate

magna cum laude

with great distinction

magnificat

it magnifies

magnum bonum

a great good

magnum opus

the greatest piece of work (of an artist)

Magnus plumbeus augeo pilosus, amplus argentium

The longer the wig, the bigger the bill

mala fide

in bad faith

mala in se

Wrong in itself (a felony)

mala prohibita

Wrong by prohibition (Misdemeanour)

male fide

in bad faith

malum in se

acts criminal by their very nature

malum prohibitum

acts made crimes by statute

mandamus

Order of superior court to lower court

mare clausum

a closed sea

mare liberum

an open sea

mare nostrum

our sea (Mediterranean)

mareva Injunction

Now 'freezing injunction' Supreme Court Act 1981 §37 order to retain assets in jurisdiction

mater

mother

Mater Dolorosa

sorrowful mother (Virgin Mary)

materfamilias

mother of family

materia medica

medical matter

matr

married

maximus in minimis

great in little things

maximus natu

eldest born

mea culpa

through my fault

Medicinae Baccalaureus

Bachelor of Medicine

Medicinae Doctor

Doctor of Medicine

memento mori

remember that you must die

memorabilia

memorable things

memoria in aeterna

in everlasting remembrance

memoriter

from memory

mens rea

Intent to commit punishable act (guilty mind)

mens sana in corpore

a healthy mind in a healthy body

mensis

month

mesne profits

Damage by tenant overstaying tenancy or licence

Meum cerebrum nocet.

My brain hurts.

militiae mutatio

Allocation to an inferior (military) service

mille

one-thousand

millennium (millennia)

a thousand year period

mirabile dictu

wonderful to relate

mirabile visu

wonderful to behold

miscegenation

Sexual relations between people of different races

miserere

have mercy

Missa solemnis

solemn Mass (high Mass)

missio ignominiosa

Ignominious or dishonorable discharge (military)

mittimus

we send (to prison)

modo et forma

in manner and form

modo vincis, modo vinceris

Win some, loose some

modus agendi

manner of operation

modus operandi

style of a series of acts - manner of working or operating

modus operandi

way of operating

modus vivendi

way of living

molliter manus imposit

Gently laid hands upon [another party]

moratorium

a delay

morituri te salutant

those who are about to die salute you

motu proprio

of one's own initiative

multum in parvo

much in small space

munerum indictio

Additional work (penalty)

Mutatis mutandis

with the necessary changes

mutato nomine

the name being changed

nascentes morimur

from the moment we are born, we die

natale solum

native soil

natura abhorret a vacua

nature abhors a vacuum

natura brevium

Common Law overview (Fitzherbert 1577)

natus

born

ne bis in idem

no second trial (double jeopardy) ECHR Art 6 & Protocol 7 Art 4

ne cede malis

do not give in to misfortune

ne nimium

not too much

ne plus ultra

no further

nec vi, nec clam, nec precario

Not by force, nor secretly, nor by special permission

necessitas non habet legem

necessity has no law

nelle proseqi

LC Order for Public Prosecutor to take over private prosecution

nemine contradicente

with no one speaking in opposition

nemine dissentiente

with no one disagreeing

nemo dat quod non habet

No one can give what does not belong to him

nemo iudex in causa sua

no-one should be a judge in his own cause

Nemo potest esse tenens et dominus

Nobody can be both tenant and landlord

nihil

nothing

nihil ad rem

nothing to do with the point

nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione!

I am not interested in your dozy religious beliefs

nihil obstat

nothing stands in the way

nil desperandum

never despair

nil desperandum

do not despair

nisi prius

current practice / example or precedent

nisi prius

unles previously

nisi rivis

Unless [terms] broken

nolens volens

whether willing or unwilling

noli me tangere

touch me not

nolle prosequi

do not pursue

Nolli proseqi

I don't wish to prosecute - UK Order from Crown or Attorney General to desist from prosecution

nolo contendere

I will not contend (plea equal to admission of guilt but allows recourse to deny the matter in subsequent proceedings)

nominatim

by name

non bis in idem

not twice for the same thing

non compos mentis

not of sound mind

Non compus mentis

not of sound in mind.

Non culpabilis

not guilty

non cupere

not responsible

non est factum

Not my deed (invalid signature - e.g. unaware of what was signed)

non licet

it is not allowed

non liquet

it is not clear

non nobis, Domine

not unto us, O Lord

non placet

it does not please

non prosequitur

he does not proceed

Non rape me si placet!

Please don't rob me!

Non scio.

I don't know.

non sequitur

it does not follow (logically)

non verbis sed rebus

not by words but by things (e.g. actions or coded communicatios such as irony)

non-liqet

Not explicit (presumed - international law)

nosce te ipsum

know thyself

noscitur a sociis

Known by its companions R v Ann Harris (bitten not 'stabbed, cut or wounded')

nota bene

Note well (important limitation or context relating to statement)

Novumentum

Annoyance

Novus actus interveniens

a new act intervening. The intervention of human activity between the defendant's act and its consequences.

novus homo

a new man

nudum pactum

bare agreement

Nulla Bona

No effect (impossible e.g. no goods of value to remove)

nulla poena sine lege

No penalty before [due process of] law

nulli secundus

second to none

nullum crimen sine lege

UDHR Art 11(2) principle: 'no crime without a prior law'

numen

divine power

numerus clausus

a restricted number

Nunc Dimittis

now let depart

nunc est bibendum

now it is time to drink

Nunc pro tunc

now for then - overdue act accepted as timely

nup

recently

nupt

married

o tempora! o mores!

what times! what customs!

obiit

he/she died

obiter

in passing

obiter dicta

Peripheral statements by a judge which is guidance but is not binding.

obscurum per obscurius

the obscure by means of the more obscure

oderint dum metuant

let them hate provided that they fear

odi et amo

i hate and I love

olim

formerly

omnia vincit amor

love conquers all

omnium gatherum

assortment

onus

burden

onus probandi

burden of proof

onus probandi

the burden of proof

opere citato

in the work cited/mentioned before

opinio juris sive necessitates

established practice implies existence of (international) law rather than ideals or morality

opinio juris sive necessitatis

Legal opinion follows practicalities

optimis parentibus

to my excellent parents

opus Dei

the work of God

ora pro nobis

pray for us

ore rotundo

with full voice

oyer

Hearing

pace

by leave of

pace tua

with your consent

pacta sunt servanda

agreements must be kept

parens patriae

Fatherland - colonial power

pari passu

on the same terms equally without preference (same pace)

particeps criminis

partner in crime

passim

here & there, throughout, in several places

pater familias

father of the family

pater historiae

the father of history

Pater Noster

Our Father

pater patriae

father of the country

patris est filius

he is his father's son

patronus

lawyer or other professional with clients

paucis verbis

in a few words

pax

peace

pax vobiscum

peace be with you

peccavi

I have sinned

peculium

property

pecunaria multa

Monetary punishment (fine)

pecunia non olet

Gold doesn't stink! (Roman tax on defacaria)

pendente lite

while a suit is pending

per

by means of (according to)

per annum

every year

per ardua ad astra

through difficulties to the stars

Per capita

by [number of] heads (e.g. price per person)

per capita

per head

per cent

within every hundred

per cent (per centum)

per hundred

per contra

on the contrary

per diem

daily

per incuriam

Mistaken judgement - no precedent created

per mensem

monthly

Per pro

By another (usu: signature by deputy)

per pro (per procurationem)

by delegation to

per rectum

through the rectum

per se

by itself

per se

by itself

per stirpes

In equal shares (to successors of deceased beneficiary)

Perio

I am lost.

perpetuum mobile

perpetual motion

persona (non) grata

(un)welcome person

petitio principii

an assumption at the start

Philosophiae Doctor

Doctor of Philosophy

pictor ignotus

painter unknown

pinxit

he/she painted it

placet

it pleases