General Legal Principles
Habeas corpus
A legal order requiring that a person under arrest be brought before a judge.
Res judicata
A matter already judged and cannot be retried
Nolo contendere
A plea meaning 'no contest'—the defendant accepts punishment without admitting guilt.
Quid pro quo
Something given in exchange for something else.
Pro bono
Legal work done voluntarily and without payment
Mens rea
A guilty mind; the intent to commit a crime.
Amicus curiae
A 'friend of the court' who provides information or advice to assist the court
Ipso facto
By the fact itself; automatically as a result of a fact
Ad valorem
According to value; a tax based on the value of property or goods
Stare decisis
The principle that courts should follow precedent
Actus reus
The physical act of committing a crime.
In forma pauperis
Permission to proceed in court without paying fees due to poverty.
Ex post facto
After the fact; a law that applies retroactively (generally unconstitutional
Caveat emptor
Let the buyer beware; buyers must check quality before purchase
Malum in se
An act that is inherently wrong (like murder).
Prima facie
At first glance; evidence that is sufficient unless disproved
In camera
In private; a judicial proceeding closed to the public
De jure
By law; legally recognized
Caveat venditor
Let the seller beware; sellers are responsible for product quality.
Malum prohibitum
An act that is illegal because it is prohibited by law (like jaywalking).
Bona fide
In good faith; genuine or sincere
Subpoena
A court order requiring someone to appear or produce evidence.
De facto
In fact; existing in reality, even if not legally recognized.
In perpetuum
Forever; lasting indefinitely
No number before 1,000 contains the letter
A