An accomplished student, Mason Bird is working towards a bachelor’s degree in political science and several professional certifications in the technology field. He is considering entering the field of cyber security or entering law school after his graduation. Beyond his regular studies, Mason Bird is exploring his passion for history by studying the Latin language.

1. Latin Phrases and Words Commonly
Used in the Legal System
Mason Bird

2. Introduction
• An accomplished student, Mason Bird is working towards a bachelor’s
degree in political science and several professional certifications in the
technology field. He is considering entering the field of cyber security or
entering law school after his graduation. Beyond his regular studies,
Mason Bird is exploring his passion for history by studying the Latin
language.
Even though many people consider Latin to be a dead language, various
Latin words and phrases are still plentiful in legal proceedings and court
rooms. Below are just a few examples of Latin legal terms that are used
regularly:
- Actus reus: meaning “a guilty act,” actus reus is often used to refer to
conduct that has been prohibited by the law. The phrase is normally used
when referring to aspects of the mental state of the accused individual
and can be used for a simple act or an act of omission.

3. Latin Phrases and Words
• - Alibi: when accused individuals are asked to provide an alibi, they are
essentially being asked to provide proof that they were not at the scene of
the crime when the crime was committed. Alibi is typically translated as
“elsewhere” and a defendant can detail his or her alibi in court to attempt
to prove innocence.
- Doli capax: this phrase means “capable of wrong” and is used when
discussing the appropriateness of holding a defendant morally responsible
for a crime. Some of the things considered when determining if a person
should be held accountable include the perpetrator's age, their
intelligence or mental capacity, and their mental state at the time of the
act.
- Habeas corpus: habeas corpus means literally “you shall have the body.”
This type of legal motion challenges the validity of an individual’s being
held in custody. Any custodian served with a writ of habeas corpus must
appear in court to justify the detention of the individual in question.