Legal Latin, Part I
Sunday
Habeas Corpus = “That you have the body,” is a writ to determine if the detention of an individual is valid.
Monday
Amicus Curiae = “Friend of the court,” usually a person or entity who is not a party to a lawsuit, but is permitted to offer information or advice to the court, including writing “amicus briefs” advocating a position in a pending matter.
Tuesday
Res Judicata = “The matter has been adjudicated,” is a legal principle against the relitigation of substantially similar issues and parties once the issue has been already decided.
Wednesday
Ex Parte = “From one side/party,” usually referring to motions or requests coming from one party without notice or input from the other, often in the form of direct contact with a judge.
Thursday
In Camera = “In chambers/private,” as opposed to in public or open court.
Friday
Nunc Pro Tunc = “Now for then” usually indicates correcting an innocent oversight or omission by retroactively applying the effective date of an order or filing.
Saturday
Ex Post Facto = “From a thing done afterward” typically refers to an act not criminal when done, but criminalized retroactively by law. Passing such laws is forbidden in the US Constitution.