Ipsissima Verba: The Importance of Quoting Authority in Law
Definition & Meaning
Ipsissima verba is a Latin phrase that translates to "the very words." In legal contexts, it refers to the practice of quoting the exact words of an established authority, such as a judge or legal expert. This term is often used when attorneys or judges cite specific language from previous rulings or legal documents to support their arguments or decisions. The use of ipsissima verba underscores the importance of precision in legal writing and the reliance on authoritative sources.
Legal Use & context
In legal practice, ipsissima verba is commonly used in various areas, including:
- Civil Law: Attorneys may quote previous case law to strengthen their arguments.
- Criminal Law: Judges often reference specific statutes or prior rulings when making decisions.
- Family Law: Legal documents may include exact phrases from established authorities to clarify points.
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Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: An attorney cites a previous court ruling where the judge stated, "The defendant acted within their rights," to argue a similar case.
Example 2: A judge refers to the ipsissima verba of a statute when determining the legality of an action taken by a party in a family law dispute.