How Good is Your Latin Legal Vocabulary?

The term "se defendendo" is a Latin phrase that translates to "self-defense" in English. It refers to the legal right and act of protecting oneself or others from harm or danger. In a legal context, it is used to justify actions taken in order to prevent or counteract an imminent threat or attack. It is an important concept in criminal law and allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves or others when faced with a threat to their safety or well-being.

The term "animus possidendi" refers to the intention or desire to possess something. It is often used in legal contexts to describe the mental state of a person who has the intent to claim ownership or control over a particular object or property. This term emphasizes the importance of the individual's intention to possess as a key factor in determining ownership rights.

'Prima facie' is a Latin term that means "at first instance." It refers to evidence or a case that appears to be true or valid on its face, without further investigation or evidence. It suggests that there is enough evidence to establish a fact or prove a case, at least initially, until further evidence or arguments are presented.

The term "bona fide" means acting or expressing something in good faith. It refers to an action or statement that is genuine, sincere, and done without any intention to deceive or harm. It implies honesty, trustworthiness, and a genuine belief in the validity or truthfulness of something.

The term "ipso jure" refers to a legal principle where something is considered to be true or valid by the mere operation of the law itself, without the need for any additional action or proof. It signifies that a particular consequence or outcome is automatically and inherently implied by the law.

Mens rea refers to the mental state or intention of a person while committing a crime. It is the mental element of the crime, which includes the knowledge, intention, or recklessness of the offender. Mens rea is an important concept in criminal law as it helps determine the culpability and degree of punishment for the accused. It is necessary to establish mens rea to prove that the offender had a guilty mind and intended to commit the crime.

The phrase "ab initio" is a Latin term that translates to "from the beginning" in English. It is used to describe something that starts or is done from the very start or the initial stage. In this context, the correct answer choice is "from the beginning" as it accurately captures the meaning of the given term.

The phrase "quid pro quo" is a Latin term that translates to "this for that" in English. It refers to a situation or arrangement where one party provides something in exchange for another party providing something of equal value. This term is often used in legal and business contexts to describe a mutual agreement or exchange of goods, services, or favors between two parties.

The phrase "ex turpi causa" means that from a dishonorable cause, an action does not arise. This suggests that if an action or claim arises from an illegal or immoral act, it will not be recognized or upheld by the courts. In other words, a person cannot benefit or seek legal remedies from their own wrongful actions. This principle is often applied in legal cases to prevent individuals from profiting or gaining advantages through illegal or unethical means.

The term "actus reus" refers to the physical element of a crime. It encompasses the actions or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense. In order for someone to be held criminally liable, there must be both a guilty act (actus reus) and a guilty mind (mens rea). While mens rea refers to the mental element of the crime, actus reus focuses on the external behavior or actions that are considered unlawful. Therefore, the correct answer is "the physical element of the crime."