Legal Latin Phrases

noun a word or phrase denoting an entity, quality, state, action, etc.

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• The lawyer presented evidence contra the defendant's alibi.
• I'm going to argue contra what you just said.
• I'm totally contra that idea, dude.
• Her actions spoke contra to her words.

noun a word used to refer to a person, place, thing, quality, or action

• The legal team reviewed the lex of the contract to ensure accuracy.
• Can you explain the lex of this situation in simpler terms?
• I don't understand the lex of this game, it's too complicated.
• The lex of the story represents the underlying theme of redemption.

noun A fundamental principle of international law that is accepted by the international community as a norm from which no derogation is permitted.

• Jus cogens refers to peremptory norms of international law that are non-derogable and universally accepted.
• Jus cogens is like the 'top dog' of international law that everyone has to follow.
• Jus cogens is the 'big boss' of international law.
• In the world of international law, jus cogens is like the unbreakable chain that holds everything together.

noun The word 'ultima ratio' is a noun, referring to the final argument or resource in a dispute or difficulty.

• The ultima ratio is the final argument in a debate or discussion.
• When all else fails, the ultima ratio is to walk away.
• In a street fight, the ultima ratio is to hit them where it hurts.
• For him, the ultima ratio is to always follow his gut instinct.

noun a word that functions as the name of a specific thing or set of things, such as 'curiam'

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence, such as 'accedas'

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause, such as 'ad'

• It is imperative that you accedas ad curiam for the hearing.
• Hey, don't forget to accedas ad curiam for the court session.
• Make sure you show up at the court, accedas ad curiam and all that.
• Sometimes you just have to accedas ad curiam and face the consequences.