Latin in the Law

     Did you know that learning Latin could help you understand many of the terms used in legal proceedings?  I'm pretty sure most of us have heard of the legal term "habeas corpus".  It's Latin for "you may have the body".  What does that mean for a lawsuit?  Prisoners often seek release by filing a petition for a writ of habeas corpus. A writ of habeas corpus is a judicial mandate to a prison official ordering that an inmate be brought to the court so it can be determined whether or not that person is imprisoned lawfully and whether or not he should be released from custody. 


   What about "pro bono publico"?  The term, usually shorted to just pro bono, means "for the public good".  It generally is used to describe work undertaken without payment or at a reduced fee as a public service.  Lawyers would provide legal services to those who are unable to afford them. 


   A subpoena is a writ by a court that has the authority to compel testimony by a witness or the production of evidence under a penalty for failure. "Subpoena" is Latin for "under the penalty".  If you are given a subpoena and do not appear in court, you could be charged with contempt and your penalty could be time in jail.  


    I worked in a lawyer's office for around 2 years and I heard Latin terms all the time!  Just one more reason to study Latin....