It is said that Latin is a dead language since it is not used by any group of persons but only largely by the Catholic Church in its liturgy and formal communications or documents. Others say that the language is not really dead but it has evolved and has been absorbed by other major languages such as French, German, and English. I have always been fascinated by it from an early age. Movies have extensively used the Latin language rendering it its mysterious character. The Harry Potter films enhanced this further aside from the legal and medical drama films and series where the dialogue of the actors are peppered with Latin terms. Indeed, aside from the Catholic Church, the legal and medical professions extensively used Latin terms and maxims. So here are some of the more common ones:
Aliunde: (From elsewhere) From another place or person. At present it means “other than” so it can be used in this manner: The guilt of the accused was proved aliunde his confession.
Amicus curiae: (A friend of the court) One who calls the attention of the court to some point of law or fact which would appear to have been overlooked; usually a member of the Bar. The Supreme Court in many instances called upon lawyers who are not counsels of either party to appear in certain sensitive and delicate cases to help or assist the Court in certain aspects.
Caveat emptor: (Let the buyer beware) A condition is implied that the goods are merchantable quality and will be reasonably fit for the buyer’s purpose, provided the buyer makes known to the seller the particular purpose for which he requires the goods so as to show that he relies on the seller’s skill or judgment, and the goods are of a description which the seller ordinarily supplies. Contra bonos mores: (Against good morals)
Contra bonos mores: (Against good morals) The Supreme Court in Mata vs. Agravante (G.R. No. 147597) said: Article 21 refers to acts contra bonos mores and has the following elements: (1) an act which is legal; (2) but which is contrary to morals, good custom, public order or public policy; and (3) is done with intent to injure.
Delegatus non potest delegare: (A delegate cannot delegate) A person to whom powers have been delegated cannot delegate the to another. A person authorised through a Special Power of Attorney cannot further delegate the function by appointing another to perform the act he is authorised to perform.
Ex officio: (By virtue of his office) The president of the Liga ng mga Barangay in a municipality will sits as a member of the sanggunian ex officio. He is a member of the sanggunian by virtue of his presidency of the Liga.
Ex contractu: (Arising out of contract) “Every cause of action ex contractu must be founded upon a contract, oral or written, either express or implied” (G.R. No. 153057).
So go ahead, try some of these terms while waiving a stick on one hand. If they don’t work, try: Expecto Patronum! (“I await a guardian.”).
