Decies tantum refers to an outdated legal writ that was historically used to address corruption among jurors. This writ allowed a party to seek recovery of ten times the amount of money that a juror had accepted in exchange for a biased verdict. Essentially, it was a mechanism to penalize and deter corrupt practices within the judicial system.
This term is primarily associated with historical legal practices, particularly in civil law contexts where corruption could undermine the integrity of judicial proceedings. While decies tantum itself is no longer in active use, understanding its implications can be relevant in discussions about legal ethics and corruption. Users dealing with issues related to juror misconduct may find it beneficial to explore legal templates and resources available through platforms like US Legal Forms.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
(Hypothetical example) If a juror accepted $1,000 to sway their verdict in a civil case, the party harmed by this corruption could theoretically seek recovery of $10,000 through a writ of decies tantum, had it been applicable.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| State | Legal Context |
|---|---|
| California | Corruption laws are strictly enforced, but decies tantum is not in use. |
| New York | Similar principles apply, focusing on juror misconduct without the writ. |
| Texas | Corruption is addressed through other legal mechanisms, not decies tantum. |
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Writ of Mandamus | A court order compelling a government official to perform their duties. | Focuses on enforcing duties rather than penalizing misconduct. |
| Contempt of Court | Disobeying or disrespecting the court's authority. | Addresses behavior in court rather than juror corruption specifically. |
If you suspect juror misconduct in your case, it's important to gather evidence and consult with a legal professional. While decies tantum is no longer available, there are other legal avenues to explore. Users can also consider utilizing US Legal Forms' templates to help navigate related legal issues effectively.
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates
No, decies tantum is an obsolete writ and is no longer part of current legal practice.
