Latin Legal Terms Defined

Because the legal community is somewhat (ahem) pretentious, lawyers like to use Latin terms even when good old King’s English would clearly suffice. It does, however, give otherwise uninteresting phrases a certain air of significance. Imagine if instead of saying “et tu, Brute?” Caesar had sent Brutus a text message saying “u2, br00te?” I don’t think that line would have achieved quite the same prominence throughout history. But with great significance can come great confusion, so here’s a handy guide to translate some Latin phrases that you might have come across in your legal studies that you were unsure of their meaning:

Arguendo- Arguendo is actually a spell from Harry Potter. When spoken by the right wizard it will convince any trial court judge to grant a summary judgment motion (is ineffective on appellate or supreme court judges). Example: So, in conclusion, the Court shall grant my motion. ARGUENDO!!!

De Jure- De is Latin for “of,” and jure is Latin for “jury.” So this phrase means “of the jury.” Example: Which one of those middle-aged Anne Rice-reading women do you think is the hottest de jure?

Dicta- Dicta is actually Latin profanity, meaning “dickish.” Example: That jerk lawyer is acting really dicta today.

Ex Parte- Ex Parte is a seldom-used Latin term referring to an amputated body part. Example: I still feel a little tingling in my amputated ex parte.

Gravamen- Gravamen are baristas (not barristers) who brew a Nicaraguan blend of Java called Grava. Example: Did you remember to tip the Gravaman for that cup?

Habeas corpus- I have no idea what this means, but don’t worry about it. If it’s not important to the Bush Administration, it probably won’t come up in your legal career. Example: I’m not sure what habeas corpus means.

In flagrante delicto- This means getting caught doing something illegal while having sex. Or being caught doing something illegal while on fire. I believe it’s also a John Legend song. Example: The pants-less man burned down that house in flagrante delicto.

Mens rea-“Mens” obviously means men’s and I believe “rea” means penis. Example: You know what they say about coldblooded killers with big hands: they have large mens reas.

Persona non grata- “Grata” means free, so this phrase literally means “person not free.” It’s usually used in reference to prostitution. Example: I slept with a hot girl last night, unfortunately she was persona non grata and my wallet is a little emptier today.

Prima Facie- Lawyers are often said to be two-faced. Well, this phrase refers to their first face. Example: His second face was a lot uglier than his prima facie.

Pro Bono- This term refers to sexually promiscuous gay men and heterosexual women. Example: Did you hear that Clay Aiken announced he is pro bono?

Respondeat Superior- A respondeat superior is the best answerer in any given law class. Example: I wish that respondeat superior would quit raising her hand; she’s really putting me to shame.

Supra- Lawyers don’t know how to spell “super” like a normal person. Example: Supra our earlier conversation, Supraman needs to stop at the supramarket to pick up some eggs for Lois Lane.

Ultra Vires- Ultra vires is actually a sexual disease. Trust me, you don’t want to catch ultra vires. Example: I’m sorry, sir, but you’ve tested positive for the ultra vires. Have you been having unprotected sex with personas non gratas?