Latin for Lawyers

L ATIN FOR L AWYERS

VICE [L. vitium / fault, defect, blemish; also, in a different sense, vicis / change, in place of] In the place or stead of. One who takes the place of or who acts for another under defined circumstances, as the Vice-President or a vice-president, vice chairman or vice-principal. Also, in the other meaning of the word, a defect, shortcoming or blemish. A moral fault or failure. Depravity; corruption; evil. Sexual immorality; prostitution. VICINAGE [L. vicinus / near, neighborhood] A defined vicinity or district. The area around a place in which an action arose or in which a crime was committed. The place in which venue exists. Under the common law, a criminal defendant was entitled to a jury selected from the vicinage, on the theory that his neighbors would be more apt to know him and to treat him fairly. VICTIM [L. victima / an animal offered in sacrifice] Anyone adversely acted upon by another or by accident, natural events or cir cumstances. Anyone who suffers harm or injury or is subjected to violence or mistreatment. Anyone who has suffered injury or harm from the commission of a crime, tort or legal wrong. A victimless crime is a crime which does not affect any individual other than the perpetrator but which offends or results in injury to society in general, such as the crime of illegal possession of drugs. VIDELICIT [L. videre / to see + licere / it is allowed] That is to say; namely; to wit. See VIZ. VIDUITY [L. viduus / deprived, bereaved; a widow (from viduo , viduare / to deprive of)] Widowhood. The state of a woman whose husband has died. VI ET ARMIS [L. vis , vi / force, power + et / and + arma / the weapons of war] With force and arms. With violence. An act of violence. See TRESPASS VI ET ARMIS VIGILANT, VIGILANCE [L. vigil , vigilis / wakeful, watchful (from vigeo , vigere / to be vigorous, flourish)] Vigilant: Alert. Prepared for risk or danger. Watchful waiting. Careful to avoid harm or temptation. Vigilance: The state of being watchful and aware of impending or possible risk or danger. A vigilance committee or vigilante committee is a volunteer committee without police or judicial authority orga nized to apprehend and punish criminals, often without regard for due pro cess of law.

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