Arguments and Logic. Legal Language

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Arguments and Logic

Representing arguments as old as philosophy itself and the terms associated with them,

these terms are good to know for a well-rounded education.

30. A priori: You might come across this term in classes about logic or reasoning. It

means taking a general law or idea and applying it to a particular instance without

needing experimentation or observation. An example of an a priori statement that is

used is, " all bachelors are single. " You do not need to observe this to see that it is

true because, by definition, bachelors must be single.

31. A posteriori: A posteriori arguments are different than a priori because they are

based on actual observation or experimentation. Continuing on the previous

example, an a posteriori example of reasoning might be that " some bachelors are

happy. " This can be based on real life observation isn't a given based on what a

bachelor is.

32. Ad nauseam: This Latin term is used to describe an argument that has been taking

place to the point of nausea, often with the same arguments being rehashed over

and over for years until everyone, except a select few, are simply sick to death of the

whole thing.

33. Ergo: Simply put, ergo means therefore and you can exchange it with therefore or

hence in any sentence and maintain the same meaning. For example, you could say,

" I think, ergo I am" without changing the meaning of the original.

Legal Language

One place where Latin words are very commonly used is in the courtroom. Learn some of

these basic legal words to help you better understand Law and Order and how the legal

process works.

34. Compis mentis: Meaning " in command of one's mind" this term is used in the legal

field to denote someone who is competent to stand trial and not encumbered by

mental illness or handicap.

35. Subpoena: If you've ever watched a legal drama on TV, you've more than likely

heard this term thrown around but perhaps haven't given much thought as to what

it really means. The word subpoena comes from the Latin meaning " under penalty"

and if someone delivers a subpoena to you have to respond or they'll be some big

penalties under the law.

36. Ad hominem: In court, or outside of it for that matter, this term is used to designate

an argument that attacks someone's character rather than addressing a question or

issue at hand. By attacking character, these arguments appeal to emotions and

prejudices rather than reason or logic.

37. Habeas corpus: A writ of habeas corpus (literally, have the body) requires a person

to appear before the court in person, generally to ascertain whether or not the

detention of that person is lawful. Habeas corpus cannot be suspended unless there

is reason to believe that a person could pose a danger to the public.

38. Pro bono: Pro bono means " for the good" and it's a term used to designate when

something is done free of charge. While the term can be applied in any field, it is

most commonly used to describe legal services.

39. Mens rea: There is a big difference between murder and manslaughter, and mens

rea is what separates the two. Mens rea means " guilty mind, " and those who go into

a crime intending to commit it have it, differing from those who commit a crime

accidentally or without advance planning.

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