ius civile, civil law, referring to the laws of legal systems
modeled after Roman law.
ius gentium, the law of nations, referring to International Law.
lex scripta, written law. Written laws are those passed and put
into effect by a legislative body or corporation.
lex non scripta, unwritten law. Unwritten law develops out of
common practice, custom, and usage. It is sometimes called common law.
sub iudice, before the judge, referring to a case under
consideration by the judge, or court, but not yet decided.
corpus iuris, the body of law, comprised of all the laws of a
sovereign power or legislative body collectively.
subpoena, under penalty or punishment. A subpoena is a
writ naming a person and ordering him or her to appear in court, under
penalty for failure to do so.
corpus delicti, the body of the crime or offense. The corpus
delicti refers to the circumstances necessary to a crime. In murder,
the corpus delicti is the fact of a criminal agent or of the death
of the victim. It does not refer to the victim's body.
onus probandi, the burden of proof. The burden of proving its
case rests with the side that makes the affirmation in a suit.
prima facie, on or at first appearance. Prima facie
evidence is evidence that, at first presentation, is adequate enough to
establish a fact.
a vinculo matrimonii, from the bond of marriage. Used in a
decree of absolute divorce.
caveat emptor, let the buyer beware. The buyer buys at his or
her own risk.
inter vivos, between the living. Used to indicate a gift from
a living person to another living person.
compos mentis, sound or sane of mind.
non compos mentis or non compos, not sound or sand of mind.
nolo contendere, I do not wish to contend. A plea by which a
defendant is subject to conviction, but does not admit guilt.
nolle prosequi, to be unwilling to prosecute. Abbreviated
nol pros. A court record stating that the prosecutor will not carry
the suit further.
non prosequitur, he or she does not prosecute. Abbreviated
non pros. Used to indicate a decision against a plaintiff who does
not appear in court to prosecute.
obiter dictum, something said along the way. Used of remarks
made by a judge that are not part of the legal decision, but are personal
comments and observations on matters relating to the case and decision.
nisi, if not, unless. Used to indicate that an order or decree
will go into effect at a specified time unless modified by further evidence
or cause presented before that time.
sui iuris or suo iure, of one's own right or in one's own
right. Used of a person who has full capacity and ability to act for
himself or herself in legal preceedings.
