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Latin legal terminology

  • Jus gentiumIn the 2nd century, Roman jurist Gaius defined ius gentium as what natural reason has established among all peoples. This definition separated the law of…
  • Dignitas (Roman concept)The Latin word dignitas appears in ancient texts without a direct English equivalent. Translators often choose dignity, prestige, or charisma to capture its…
  • De factoThe Latin phrase de facto translates to 'in fact' or 'in reality'. It describes practices that exist in the real world regardless of official recognition by…
  • PraemunireThe word praemunire appears in the 14th-century writ of summons that commanded a sheriff to warn a person to appear before the Court.