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Latin terminology appears frequently in court minutes, probate files, land deeds, and other legal documents derived from English common law. Understanding these terms can clarify procedural actions, inheritance structures, and court decisions found in historical records.
| Term | Meaning |
| Ad litem | For the purpose of the lawsuit (e.g., guardian ad litem). |
| Alias | Otherwise known as; alternate name. |
| Bona fide | In good faith; genuine. |
| Capias | Writ ordering the arrest of a person. |
| Certiorari | Order requesting review of lower court records. |
| De bonis non (DBN) | Administrator appointed to handle remaining estate assets. |
| De facto | In fact, though not legally formalized. |
| De jure | By law; legally recognized. |
| Ex parte | Legal proceeding brought by one party without the other present. |
| Executor | Person appointed to carry out a will. |
| Executrix | Female executor of a will. |
| Guardian ad litem | Court-appointed guardian for a minor or incapacitated person. |
| Habeas corpus | Writ requiring a person to be brought before a judge. |
| Heirs at law | Individuals entitled to inherit under statutory law. |
| In camera | In private; not in open court. |
| In loco parentis | In place of a parent. |
| In re | In the matter of. |
| Inter vivos | Between living persons (e.g., gift made during lifetime). |
| Intestate | Dying without a valid will. |
| Ipso facto | By that very fact. |
| Jurisdiction | Legal authority of a court. |
| Nisi | Unless; conditional order. |
| Non compos mentis | Not of sound mind. |
| Nunc pro tunc | Now for then; retroactive legal action. |
| Per stirpes | Inheritance divided by family branch. |
| Per capita | Inheritance divided equally among individuals. |
| Per curiam | Decision issued collectively by the court. |
| Prima facie | Sufficient at first appearance unless disproven. |
| Pro se | Representing oneself in court. |
| Pro tempore (Pro tem) | For the time being. |
| Quid pro quo | Something given in exchange for something else. |
| Subpoena | Order requiring appearance in court. |
| Subpoena duces tecum | Order requiring production of documents in court. |
| Testator | Person who made a will. |
| Testatrix | Female person who made a will. |
| Ultra vires | Beyond legal authority. |
| Venue | Proper geographic location for trial. |
| Versus (v.) | Against (used in case names). |
| Videlicet (viz.) | Namely; that is to say. |
| Et al. | And others. |
| Et ux. | And wife. |
| Et vir. | And husband. |
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