The language used in the legal field is changing as many lawyers adopt a plain English style, which helps reduce confusion among non-lawyers. However, there are still many terms and phrases that can baffle the general population. The United States legal system is rooted in the early European colonists. Due to this, the Latin terms used in the Common Law of Rome have been adapted to our legal system [1]. The legal system’s Latin roots contribute to the confusion surrounding its terminology, especially because Latin is now referred to as a dead language. This guide intends to provide definition, explanation, and clarification pertaining to common legal jargon.
Common Legal Terminology