REBOOT: Etymologizing More Legal Terminology

REBOOT: Etymologizing More Legal Terminology

Author: Liam Connerly February 17, 2026 Duration: 11:05

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1. Actio: A legal action or suit in Roman law; from Latin actio, from agere “to do.”

2. Adjudicatio: A court decree or judgement; from Latin adjudico, from ad “to” and judicare “to judge”.

3. Actori incumbit probatio: The burden of proof lies on the plaintiff; from Latin actori incumbit probatio, from actor “plaintiff” and incumbere “to impose”.

4. Brevi manu: By order of the court; from Latin brevi manu, from brevis “short” and manus “hand”.

5. Caveat emptor: Let the buyer beware; from Latin caveat emptor, from cavere “to beware” and emptor “buyer”.

6. Damnum emergens: Loss arising from a breach of contract; from Latin damnum emergens, from damnum “loss” and emergere “to arise”.

7. Ex aequo et bono: According to equity and good conscience; from Latin ex aequo et bono, from ex “from” and aequus “equal” and bonus “good”.

8. Ex debito justitiae: Out of a sense of justice; from Latin ex debito justitiae, from ex “out of”, debito “debt” and justitiae “justice”.

9. In personam: Against a specific person; from Latin in personam, from in “into” and persona “person”.

10. In rem: Against a thing or property; from Latin in rem, from in “into” and rem “thing”.

11. Inter vivos: Between living persons; from Latin inter vivos, from inter “between” and vivos “living”.

12. Jus cogens: Compulsory law; from Latin jus cogens, from jus “law” and cogere “to compel”.

13. Pacta sunt servanda: Agreements must be kept; from Latin pacta sunt servanda, from pacta “agreements”, sunt “are” and servanda “to be kept”.

14. Qui facit per alium, facit per se: He who acts through another, acts himself; from Latin qui facit per alium, facit per se, from qui “who”, facit “makes”, per “through”, alium “other” and se “self”.

15. Res judicata: A matter already adjudicated; from Latin res judicata, from res “thing” and judicata “adjudicated”.

6. Fiat Lux – Let there be light. (Latin: fiat, let; lux, light). Etymologically, fiat lux literally means “let there be light” and is used to refer to the creation of light.

8. Mea Culpa – My mistake; my fault. (Latin: mea, my; culpa, fault). Etymologically, mea culpa literally means “my fault” and is used to refer to an admission of guilt or responsibility for a mistake.

9. Moot Point – A point or issue that is no longer relevant or applicable. (Latin: mūtāre, to change). Etymologically, moot point literally means “to change” and is used to refer to a point or issue that is no longer relevant or applicable.

10. Res Ipsa Loquitur – The thing speaks for itself; an inference that a person is responsible for an accident or injury because they were in control of the situation. (Latin: res, thing; ipsa, itself; loquitur, speaks). Etymologically, res ipsa loquitur literally means “the thing speaks for itself” and is used to refer to an inference that a person is responsible for an accident or injury because they were in control of the situation.


Latin in Layman’s-A Rhetoric Revolution is hosted by grammarian and classicist Liam Connerly. This isn't a dry lecture series, but a practical exploration of how Latin actively shapes the way we communicate and think. Each episode digs into the roots of words, unpacking etymology and the specialized terminology of fields like law, medicine, and botany to build a more powerful vocabulary. The discussion goes beyond memorization, connecting grammatical structures to clearer thinking and more persuasive speech. Liam also uses the podcast as a space for broader reflections on linguistic power and his advocacy for a "Language Revival," arguing for a deeper engagement with our words. Tuning in offers a surprising look at the ancient language's modern pulse, demonstrating how a grasp of Latin fundamentals can refine your command of English and alter your respect for language itself. You'll find the conversation in this education-focused podcast is both accessible and intellectually ambitious, making historical linguistics feel immediately relevant.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Latin in Layman’s - A Rhetoric Revolution
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