Grade 12U - Canadian and International Law Quiz on Latin Terms

Actus Reus

The action or omission of something prohibited by the law. "The guilty act"

Caveat Emptor

Let the buyer beware.

Curia Regis

The king's council (a body of advisers to the monarch).

Factum

A statement of facts which summarizes both sides of a case for an appeal.

Habeas Corpus

Have the person brought before the court.

In Camera

In private (matters heard in a courtroom without spectators).

Intra vires

"Within the powers" aka within the authority of the government.

Magna Carta

The "great charter" granted by King John in 1215.

Mens Rea

The guilty mind.

Non Est Factum

"it is not my act" - A denial that a document was properly executed.

Prima Facie

At face value or on the face of something; presumed to be true unless it is proven not to be.

Res Ipsa Loquitor

"The act speaks for itself" - Wrongdoing is assumed.

Stare Decisis

To stand by previous decisions.

Trial De Novo

A new trial that takes place and the old trial is retried.

Voir Dire

A trial within a trial to decide upon admissibility of evidence.

Alias

"Other wise" - Used to refer to another name.

Alibi

To be else where.

Bona

Good.

Bona Fide

In good faith.

Contra

"against" - On the contrary.

Corpus Delicti

Body of the crime.

Culpa

Guilt, fault, or blameworthiness.

De Facto

Actually existing or in effect, although not legally required or sanctioned (in reality, actually).

Forum

"court" a meeting or meeting place for public discussion.

In absentia

"In absence of" - A criminal proceeding in a court of law in which the person being tried is not present.

Jus

Right or law.

Mala Fide

In bad faith; with intent to deceive.

Onus

A burden or responsibility.

Post Mortem

After death.

Pro Bono Publico

For the good of the public.

Rigor Mortis

The stiffening of the body after death.

Status Quo

The existing state of affairs (leaving things as they are).

Tabula Rasa

Blank slate.

Ultra Vires

"Beyond the power of" government to pass laws.

Venue

Location or place.

Verbatim

Word for word; exactly as written or spoken.

Versus

Against.

Jurisprudence

Knowledge or skill of the Law.

prudence

Knowledge or skill.

Juris

Of law.