Latin for Lawyers

INFANCY

INFANCY [L. infans / speechless; without the gift of speech; a little child] The state of being a minor, i.e., under the age at which a person is deemed to have the legal capacity to act for himself. INFANTICIDE [L. infans + caedo, caedere / to strike; to kill] The killing of a child after its birth. INFER, INFERENCE [L. in + ferre / to carry, take away] To draw a conclusion from a set of facts or beliefs. To deduce a fact or finding from other facts presented as proof. A process of reasoning by which a con clusion may be drawn from facts which are known or proven. In the law of evidence, a proposition or conclusion supported by the facts presented to the trier. IN FIERI [L. in + facere / to make, do] In progress or process, in the process of being made or done; incomplete, inchoate. A trial is in fieri until the verdict is in and judgment is entered. IN FLAGRANTE DELICTO In the very act of committing a crime or misdeed. Also, to be discovered in an illicit sex act. See FLAGRANTE DELICTO INFLAMMATORY [L. in + flammo, flammare / to burn; to set fire to] Tending to excite or inflame. Inducing anger, violence or disorder. INFORMANT [L. informo, informare / to mold or give shape to; to have an idea] A person who supplies information to another, especially information which comes from a confidential source and is not meant to be disclosed. One who informs the police of the criminal behavior of another, especially for money or other concessions. See INFORMER IN FORMA PAUPERIS In the form or manner of a pauper. Impoverished, indigent. The right of a pauper to apply for and receive the court’s permission to bring an action with out being responsible for costs or fees. Also, the right of an indigent criminal defendant to court-appointed counsel. See INDIGENT DEFENDANT; PRO BONO PUBLICO

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