Latin Legalese Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of these Essential Latin Phrases!

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Last updated · 10 min play time

Why Latin?
In its heyday, the Roman Empire stretched far and wide across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Although the empire eventually fell, centuries of occupation left a Roman imprint on the once-conquered lands. One significant legacy was the Latin language, which evolved into the Romance languages of Spanish, French, Romanian, and English. In fact, you might be surprised to learn how many Latin words you hear every day, such as alumni, census, versus, vice versa, alias, etc. (by the way, that's short for the Latin phrase "et cetera"). And then there are all those English words with Latin roots, like bene, meaning "good" (benefactor, beneficial, benign. . .) and terr, meaning "earth" (terrain, terrestrial, subterranean. . .)
Beyond the Basics. . . How Much Latin Legalese Do You Know?
While you're undoubtedly familiar with at least some of the Latin words that have been incorporated into our everyday language, that might not be true of the many obscure Latin phrases that are used in the legal system (unless you're an attorney or a Latin scholar). Think Latin's a dead language? Try telling that to a lawyer. Latin is ubiquitous in the law, from ancient terms still used for legal documents to the colorful linguistic flourishes of some Supreme Court justices (like Antonin Scalia, who sprinkled his opinions with zingers like "Fiat justitia, ruat coelum. Let justice be done, though the heavens may fall"). Is Latin legalese just a pompous badge of exclusivity? Sometimes, to be sure. But after all those years of studying Latin Legalese in law school, who can blame them for the urge to show off their mastery of phrases like non compos mentis ("not of sound mind") or cui bono? ("who benefits?")? Well, some do, and there's a growing plain language movement determined to change the longstanding and widely accepted view within the legal profession that a Latin word or phrase is always preferable to a perfectly good English version. 
But for now, Latin legalese is here to stay and this quiz provides a great introduction to some of the essential Latin terms that are still used in the law. Why should the 99.95% of non-lawyers among us bother with it? For one thing, knowing some Latin improves your vocabulary. Furthermore, chances are pretty high that you'll be involved in a legal matter during your lifetime. This quiz will help you make sense of legal documents and what your lawyer or judge says to you. Or maybe you live a life of immaculate righteousness and won't ever step foot in a courtroom. Even so, knowing some Latin legalese is a huge boon if you're just a fan of courtroom dramas like Law and Order and the countless other TV shows and films. And finally, it's just plain fun to drop a little Latin with your friends — or try one on an enemy like this ancient pearl: asinus asinorum in saecula saeculorum ("the greatest jackass in eternity"). Why not get started with this quiz on Latin legalese? Even if you're not a beginner, jump in for a fun refresher on the essential Latin phrases of the law! 
Why Stop Here? Give Our Other Language Quizzes a Try!
If you enjoyed this quiz, be sure to check out all of our language and vocabulary trivia contests! 

: Latin Legalese Quiz Questions

20 Questions · 424 Plays · 2 Comments

Question 1

In which legal context is "mens rea" required?

  • A
    Courtroom behavior
  • B
    Contract negotiations
  • C
    Criminal case
  • D
    Jury selection

Question 2

In the courtroom, a defendant exclaims "mea culpa!" - what have they done?

  • A
    Accused another
  • B
    Confessed
  • C
    Claimed innocence
  • D
    Asked to use the restroom

Question 3

What is the English translation of the Latin term "in loco parentis"?

  • A
    Together with a Parent
  • B
    A Parenthetical Comment
  • C
    In Place of a Parent
  • D
    An Incompetent Parent

Question 4

Someone who appears before the court "pro se" is doing what?

  • A
    Testifying for the prosecution
  • B
    Representing themselves
  • C
    Testifying for the defense
  • D
    Representing a client

Question 5

What is the English translation of the Latin term "ex parte"?

  • A
    From a Previous Party
  • B
    From One Party
  • C
    Divided Parties
  • D
    From an Impartial Party

Question 6

If someone filing for bankruptcy owes you money, what does the doctrine of "pari passu" tell you to do?

  • A
    Accept that the window for repayment has closed.
  • B
    Provide evidence of a contract.
  • C
    Get in line!
  • D
    Throw a pity party.

Question 7

Which modern idiom is equivalent to the Latin phrase "quid pro quo"?

  • A
    The ball is in your court
  • B
    You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours
  • C
    Best of both worlds
  • D
    Kill two birds with one stone

Question 8

What is brought before the court when a writ of "habeas corpus" is filed?

  • A
    A jury of peers
  • B
    Proof that the victim of a crime is deceased
  • C
    The prisoner
  • D
    A marching band

Question 9

What is the translation of the contract law doctrine of "caveat emptor"?

  • A
    Buyer Pays
  • B
    Buyer Beware
  • C
    Impulse Buyer
  • D
    Buyer's Remorse

Question 10

When the court hears a case "de novo," what is it doing?

  • A
    Adjudicating a case without a jury
  • B
    Adjudicating an issue in a case for the first time
  • C
    Adjudicating a previously tried case as if it were the first time
  • D
    Adjudicating a case without allowing the accused to present a defense

Question 11

To which of these legal system situations would the term "pro bono" apply?

  • A
    A legal issue that is resolved once and for all
  • B
    A decision that increases the wealth of the claimant
  • C
    A lawyer taking on a case without compensation
  • D
    The good will expected of all who come before the court

Question 12

What is the English translation of the Latin term "de facto"?

  • A
    According to the Court
  • B
    According to Factors
  • C
    According to Fact
  • D
    According to Law

Question 13

"Res judicata" is the fundamental principle that a case that's been decided can't be retried by the same parties . . . but there's an exception. Which of these is true?

  • A
    The trial court can agree to reopen the case, at the request of a legitimate heir to one of the original parties
  • B
    A superior court can agree to decide the case again, at the losing party's request
  • C
    The trial court can agree to reopen the case if a defendant is convicted for violating a law that is subsequently decriminalized
  • D
    The Supreme Court can decide to retry any case at its sole discretion

Question 14

If a judge says that the doctrine of "stare decisis" applies, what will the court do with your claim?

  • A
    Throw it out as it's already been decided
  • B
    Read the stars for guidance
  • C
    Consider previous cases similar to yours
  • D
    Conduct a bench trial (without a jury)

Question 15

What is the meaning of "amicus curiae" in a legal case?

  • A
    An outcome favorable to the plaintiff
  • B
    A petition for a later trial date
  • C
    A third party with strong interest in the case
  • D
    A peaceful resolution to a high conflict case

Question 16

What is the English translation of the Latin term "prima facie"?

  • A
    A First Case
  • B
    The Primary Fact
  • C
    At First Sight
  • D
    An Easy Case

Question 17

What type of legal doctrine is "res ipsa loquitur"?

  • A
    A prohibition
  • B
    A conclusion
  • C
    A presumption
  • D
    A responsibility

Question 18

What is the English translation of the Latin term "bona fide"?

  • A
    Good Dog
  • B
    Well Spoken
  • C
    Good Faith
  • D
    To the Bone

Question 19

What is an "ex post facto" law?

  • A
    Established
  • B
    Unreasonable
  • C
    Universal
  • D
    Unconstitutional

Question 20

What does it mean if a judge calls a party's claim "de minimis"?

  • A
    That it's dangerous
  • B
    That it's juvenile
  • C
    That it's trifling
  • D
    That it's absurd

Comments (2)

We want to hear your feedback! Share your scores and discuss the quiz, but keep it civil.

Cool! I’m amazed by how much Latin I’ve learned. I especially likke Quid Pro Quo

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I couldn't concentrate! My other half kept bothering me!!!

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