Law Latin in United States
Law Latin Definition
Edward III. substituted the Latin language for the Norman French in the records, and the English in other proceedings. The Latin was used by virtue of its being the language of scholars of all European nations; but, in order to adapt it to the purposes of the profession, the English terms of legal art in most frequent use were Latinized by the simple addition of a “Latin termination, and the diverse vocabulary thus collected was arranged in English idioms. But this barbarous dialect commended itself by a semblance of scholarly sound, and more by the precision which attaches to technical terms that are never used in popular language. During the time of Cromwell, English was used; but with the restoration Latin was reinstated, and held its place till 4 Geo. II. c. 26, when it was enacted that, since the common people ought to know what was done for and against them, proceedings should be in English. It was found, however, that certain technical terms had become so fixed that, by a subsequent act, such words were allowed to continue in use. 6 Geo. II. c. 14. Hence a large class of Latin words are still in use of which nisi prius, habeas corpus, lis pendens, are examples. Consult 3 Bl. Comm. 318-323, and as to particular words and phrases, Termes de la Ley; Taylor; Law French & Law Latin Diet.; Kelham; Du Cange.
Law Latin in Foreign Legal Encyclopedias
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the World Legal Encyclopedia. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the European Legal Encyclopedia. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Asian Legal Encyclopedia. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the UK Legal Encyclopedia. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Australian Legal Encyclopedia. |
For starting research in the law of a foreign country:
Browse the American Encyclopedia of Law for Law Latin
Scan Law Latin in the appropriate area of law:
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Family Law Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the IP Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Commercial Law Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Criminal Law Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Antritrust Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Bankruptcy Law Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Constitutional Law Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Tax Law Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the and Finance and Banking Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Employment and Labor Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Personal Injury and Tort Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
| Law Latin | Law Latin in the Environmental Law Portal of the American Encyclopedia of Law. |
Explore other Reference Works
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Law Latin in the Dictionaries | Law Latin in our legal dictionaries |
| http://lawi.us/law-latin | The URI of Law Latin (more about URIs) |
| Law Latin related entries | Find related entries of Law Latin |
Legal Issue for Attorneys
Edward III. substituted the Latin language for the Norman French in the records, and the English in other proceedings. The Latin was used by virtue of its being the language of scholars of all European nations; but, in order to adapt it to the purposes of the profession, the English terms of legal art in most frequent use were Latinized by the simple addition of a “Latin termination, and the diverse vocabulary thus collected was arranged in English idioms. But this barbarous dialect commended itself by a semblance of scholarly sound, and more by the precision which attaches to technical terms that are never used in popular language. During the time of Cromwell, English was used; but with the restoration Latin was reinstated, and held its place till 4 Geo. II. c. 26, when it was enacted that, since the common people ought to know what was done for and against them, proceedings should be in English. It was found, however, that certain technical terms had become so fixed that, by a subsequent act, such words were allowed to continue in use. 6 Geo. II. c. 14. Hence a large class of Latin words are still in use of which nisi prius, habeas corpus, lis pendens, are examples. Consult 3 Bl. Comm. 318-323, and as to particular words and phrases, Termes de la Ley; Taylor; Law French & Law Latin Diet.; Kelham; Du Cange.
Notice
This definition of Law Latin is based on The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary. This entry needs to be proofread.
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