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Nineteenth-century legal records frequently contain Latin phrases and formal expressions that are no longer commonly used. These terms appear in court minutes, deeds, probate files, and published legal notices. Understanding them helps clarify legal actions and procedural context.
| Phrase | Meaning |
| Aforesaid | Previously mentioned. |
| Alia | “At another time” or “otherwise called.” |
| Amicus Curiae | “Friend of the court”; advisor not a party to the case. |
| Bona Fide | In good faith. |
| Certiorari | Order for lower court record review. |
| Chattels | Personal property (movable goods). |
| De Bonis Non | Administrator appointed to manage remaining estate assets. |
| De Facto | In fact, though not formally recognized. |
| De Jure | By law or legal right. |
| Deed Poll | Deed executed by one party only. |
| Demurrer | Objection asserting complaint lacks legal basis. |
| Ejectment | Legal action to recover possession of land. |
| Estoppel | Legal bar preventing contradiction of prior claim. |
| Et Al. | “And others.” |
| Et Seq. | “And the following.” |
| Ex Parte | Proceeding involving one party only. |
| Ex Rel. | “On the relation of.” |
| Fee Simple | Absolute ownership of land. |
| Habeas Corpus | Order to bring detained person before court. |
| Heretofore | Up to this time. |
| In Re | “In the matter of.” |
| In Testimony Whereof | Formal closing phrase in deeds. |
| Inter Alia | “Among other things.” |
| Inter Vivos | Between living persons. |
| Ipso Facto | By the fact itself. |
| Laches | Neglect resulting in loss of legal right. |
| Lis Pendens | Pending lawsuit affecting property. |
| Malice Aforethought | Intent to commit wrongful act. |
| Nolle Prosequi | Formal abandonment of prosecution. |
| Non Compos Mentis | Not of sound mind. |
| Nunc Pro Tunc | Retroactive legal action. |
| Per Stirpes | Distribution by family branch. |
| Prima Facie | On first appearance; sufficient evidence unless disproved. |
| Pro Se | Representing oneself. |
| Quid Pro Quo | Something given in exchange. |
| Quiet Title | Legal action to confirm property ownership. |
| Res Judicata | Matter already judged. |
| Scire Facias | Writ requiring party to show cause. |
| Subpoena Duces Tecum | Order to produce documents. |
| Testator | Person who made a will. |
| Testatrix | Female person who made a will. |
| Tort | Civil wrong causing harm. |
| Trespass | Unlawful entry onto property. |
| Uxor | Wife (often abbreviated “et ux.” in deeds). |
| Writ of Attachment | Court order seizing property. |
| Writ of Execution | Order enforcing court judgment. |
If you’d like this information in a clean, printable, and well-organized reference format, this topic is also included in the Quicksheet Vault. The Vault is designed for researchers who prefer working tools they can save, print, and reuse—whether that means building a personal binder of key resources or keeping reliable references close at hand. You can learn more about the Quicksheet Vault HERE