Contra pacem is a Latin term that translates to "against the peace." In legal contexts, it refers to actions that violate public peace or order. This term is often used in legal documents, particularly in indictments, to indicate that a specific offense disrupts societal harmony. In cases of trespass, the phrase must accompany any allegations of injury to reinforce the seriousness of the claim.
Contra pacem is primarily used in criminal and civil law, particularly in cases involving public disturbances or trespass. Legal practitioners may include this term in formal accusations to emphasize the impact of the alleged actions on community peace. Users can find templates for legal documents that incorporate this term through resources like US Legal Forms, which can help them navigate such legal situations independently.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
For instance, if an individual is accused of vandalizing public property, the prosecution might use contra pacem to highlight that this act disrupts community peace. Another example could involve a noisy party that leads to police intervention; a neighbor might file a complaint citing contra pacem to indicate the disturbance caused.
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Notes |
|---|---|
| California | Uses contra pacem in civil trespass cases to emphasize public order violations. |
| Texas | May apply in both civil and criminal contexts, with specific statutes addressing public peace. |
| New York | Incorporates contra pacem in legal actions involving public disturbances. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Disturbing the peace | Engaging in behavior that disrupts public tranquility. | Contra pacem specifically refers to legal actions against public peace, while disturbing the peace is a broader term. |
| Trespass | Entering someone's property without permission. | Contra pacem is often used in conjunction with trespass to highlight the violation of public order. |
If you find yourself dealing with a situation involving contra pacem, consider the following steps:
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It means "against the peace," referring to actions that violate public order.