Latin Legal Phrases

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If you work in or around the legal field, you probably find yourself typing these Latin Legal phrases often. Try installing them as TextExpander Snippets to save time and misspellings!

  1. Ad hoc
    For this purpose.
    Used to describe something created or done for a particular purpose or occasion, such as an ad hoc committee.

  2. Bona fide
    In good faith.
    Indicates honesty, sincerity, and without any intention to deceive.

  3. Caveat emptor
    Let the buyer beware.
    The principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase is made.

  4. De facto
    In fact, or in reality.
    Refers to practices that exist in reality, even if not legally recognized.

  5. De jure
    By law.
    Refers to practices that are legally recognized, regardless of whether the practice exists in reality.

  6. Ex parte
    From one party.
    Refers to legal proceedings or actions taken by one party in the absence of and without representation or notification of other parties.

  7. Habeas corpus
    You shall have the body.
    A legal principle that protects against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment by requiring that a person be brought before a court to determine if their detention is lawful.

  8. Ipso facto
    By the fact itself.
    Used to convey that something is true by its very nature or the fact itself.

  9. Mens rea
    Guilty mind.
    Refers to the mental state or intent required to be proven guilty of a crime.

  10. Per curiam
    By the court.
    Refers to an opinion or decision issued by the court as a whole, rather than a single judge.

  11. Prima facie
    At first glance.
    Refers to evidence that is sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless disproved or rebutted.

  12. Pro bono
    For the public good.
    Refers to professional work, particularly legal work, undertaken voluntarily and without payment.

  13. Quid pro quo
    Something for something.
    Refers to a mutual exchange of goods, services, or favors.

  14. Res ipsa loquitur
    The thing speaks for itself.
    Refers to situations where the facts imply negligence due to the nature of the accident or injury.

  15. Sub poena
    Under penalty.
    A legal order requiring someone to attend court or produce evidence under penalty for failure to do so.

  16. Sui generis
    Of its own kind.
    Refers to something unique or in a class of its own.

  17. Ultra vires
    Beyond the powers.
    Refers to actions taken beyond one’s legal power or authority.

  18. Vox populi
    Voice of the people.
    Refers to popular opinion or general sentiment.

  19. Inter alia
    Among other things.
    Used to indicate that something is part of a larger list or group.

  20. Mutatis mutandis
    With the necessary changes having been made.
    Refers to applying changes to a situation by making necessary adjustments.

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