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Legal Latin Trivia Quiz

Latin is said to be a dead language. Maybe so, but not legally speaking. That is, Latin is used quite frequently in the legal profession. This quiz is about some of those Latin words and phrases that can be heard in most any courtroom.

A multiple-choice quiz by ncterp. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
ncterp

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
413,381

Updated
Aug 09 23

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
211

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. When a higher court tells a lower court that it wants to review a particular case, what does the higher court issue? Hint

Writ of Assistance

Writ of Mandamus

Writ of Certiorari

Writ of Habeas Corpus

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Question 2 of 10

2. What is "prima facie" evidence? Hint

Evidence that cannot be challenged

Evidence of guilt

Evidence that is inadmissible

Evidence that can stand on its own

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Question 3 of 10

3. What does "corpus delicti" mean? Hint

Evidence that a criminal act was justified

Evidence that a corpse exists

Evidence that a corpse has been moved

Evidence that a crime has been committed

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Question 4 of 10

4. When a judge wants to meet with attorneys "in camera", what does he or she mean? Hint

In the hallway

Away from the jury

In a filmed session

In private

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Question 5 of 10

5. What is the term police use to describe the manner in which a crime was committed? Hint

Mea culpa

Pattern of behavior

Modus operandi

Profiling

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Question 6 of 10

6. The best way for an attorney to challenge the legality of one's detention would be to file what kind of document? Hint

Writ of habeas corpus

Motion in limine

Writ of mandamus

Subpoena duces tecum

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Question 7 of 10

7. An affidavit is a verbal statement of fact.

Yes

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Question 8 of 10

8. In a case before a court involving an esoteric subject with which you have abundant knowledge, you may choose to help the court by filing a what? Hint

Amicus curiae brief

Ad hominem brief

Animus nocendi brief

Animus contrahendi brief

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Question 9 of 10

9. What is the Latin term for "guilty mind"? Hint

Mea culpa

Scienter

Pro forma

Mens rea

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Question 10 of 10

10. What is the Latin term for getting caught in the actual commission of a crime? Hint

In pari delicto

In forma pauperis

In flagrante delicto

In articulo mortis

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. When a higher court tells a lower court that it wants to review a particular case, what does the higher court issue?

Answer: Writ of Certiorari

A writ is an order. A writ of certiorari is issued by a higher or appellate court when it feels the need to review a particular case. In the US, this is often where there may be possible conflicts with the Constitution. Many landmark US Supreme Court cases grew out of the issuance of such writs.

The word certiorari comes from a Latin word meaning "to be more fully informed."

2. What is "prima facie" evidence?

Answer: Evidence that can stand on its own

"Prima facie" is a Latin term meaning "at first glance". It also describes evidence upon which a case can be built.

3. What does "corpus delicti" mean?

Answer: Evidence that a crime has been committed

"Corpus delicti" is a Latin term that literally means "body of the crime", or that there is sufficient evidence to prove that a crime has been committed. As an example, if a building bursts into flames, there is no crime until an investigation reveals the evidence of one.

4. When a judge wants to meet with attorneys "in camera", what does he or she mean?

Answer: In private

"In camera" is a Latin phrase meaning "in private", usually that means in the judge's chambers. A judge will often review sensitive material "in camera".

5. What is the term police use to describe the manner in which a crime was committed?

Answer: Modus operandi

"Modus operandi", often abbreviated to "m.o.", means "manner of operation". Often it's a criminal's "m.o." that leads to their arrest.

6. The best way for an attorney to challenge the legality of one's detention would be to file what kind of document?

Answer: Writ of habeas corpus

"Habeas corpus" means "produce the body". It is a writ (order) from a court to the detaining authority to bring the body (person) to the court so the court can determine if the person is being legally detained.

7. An affidavit is a verbal statement of fact.

Answer: No

No, it is more than a statement. Affidavit is a Latin word meaning "he has declared under oath". For an affidavit to be legal, it must be voluntary, written and sworn to under oath.

8. In a case before a court involving an esoteric subject with which you have abundant knowledge, you may choose to help the court by filing a what?

Answer: Amicus curiae brief

"Amicus curiae" is a Latin term meaning "friend of the court". For example, if a court was hearing a case involving animal cruelty, PETA could file an amicus curiae brief to help the court understand the issues involved.

9. What is the Latin term for "guilty mind"?

Answer: Mens rea

"Mens rea" means "guilty mind". The law says that someone who lacks the mental ability to know whether a particular act is illegal or not, cannot be found guilty of a criminal act.

10. What is the Latin term for getting caught in the actual commission of a crime?

Answer: In flagrante delicto

"In flagrante delicto" is often used as a polite way of telling someone they've been caught in the act of sexual intercourse, but it is actually used to describe being caught in the act of committing any crime. "In pari delicto" is used to describe two parties who are equally at fault.

Source: Author ncterp

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor stedman before going online.
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